Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Lesson 2: Gorongosa National Park
How has Gorongosa National Park changed over time? Discover the park's rich history, dating back to primitive human times, through an interactive timeline and scientific reading. The second installment in an eight-part series explores...
Curated OER
Rainforest (Elementary, Social Studies)
Explore the rainforest with your class. Learners study the meaning of the word endangered, choose an animal to study, gather data, and discuss why the animal is in danger of extinction. This is a motivating way to have your class discuss...
Curated OER
Close to Home
Fourth graders examine habitats for animals by creating their own in class environment. In this environment lesson, 4th graders research the Internet for information on certain wild animals and the places in which they live. Students...
Curated OER
What Makes a Hero?
Students identify the characteristics of a hero. For this character development and writing lesson, students listen to music with a hero theme and discuss the common traits of heroes. Students explore individuals and charitable...
Curated OER
Diary of a Wombat
Students create a diary entry from an animal's point of view. In this creative writing lesson, students read the book Diary of a Wombat and conduct brief research on an animal of their choice. Students create a diary entry based upon...
Curated OER
What Is Happening To My Species?
Students select and research an animal that lives in the rainforest of Manu, Peru. They watch and discuss a video, create masks and costumes to role-play various rainforest animals, conduct research, and write a short story of their...
Curated OER
Etosha: Poppin' Out at You
Tenth graders research an African animal of their choice and relate the concepts of population, climate and biodiversity to their animal. They examine how population interacts in an ecosystem.
Curated OER
Bug Eyes
Students explore mantid eyes and human eyes. In this mantid eyes and human eyes research lesson, students work in small groups to gather information. Students read books, observe mantids, and do experiments. Students then present their...
Curated OER
The Great Barracuda
Students explore oceanography by researching the great barracuda. In this animal life lesson, students read several vocabulary terms dealing with ocean life and examine a drawing of a barracuda. Students examine the many...
Curated OER
Fact Finding Safari
In this fact finding worksheet, students read 10 questions, all pertaining to animals or the environment. Students write the answers to the questions, using Internet research if necessary.
Curated OER
Animals of China and in Asia
Young scholars write an animal report. In this research lesson, students use varied reference materials to find information about animals that live in China and Asia. They write a report about an animal and complete extension activities...
Curated OER
ANIMALS OF ANTARCTICA
Students are introduced to the animals of Antarctica and how they adapt to their environment and the changes of the seasons after being read the story,"Counting Penguins" . They pick an animal and predict how he/she thinks this animal...
Curated OER
Go To Sleep, Gecko!
Second graders examine the interdependence of organisms using the book "Go To Sleep, Gecko!" They examine a variety of food chains, listen to the book, and answer story comprehension questions. Students then conduct research on food...
Curated OER
Unusual Coral Reef Animals
In this science worksheet, students research an unusual coral reef animal. A list of 22 animals is provided to choose from or students may choose their own. After researching the animal, students illustrate the creature and write about...
Curated OER
I Spy (Camouflaged Animals in Art!)
Make connections about animal characteristics and the animal's environment. In this animal characteristics lesson, students use a piece of art as a springboard for a discussion about animals and camouflage. Students choose an animal that...
Curated OER
Changing Climate, Changing Animals
Students review teacher-provided background materials on impact of climate change. Students then work in small groups to make poster on possible impacts of climate change on one particular northern animal, and how it might affect people...
Curated OER
Native Plant Research Project
Students study indigenous plants. They examine why they are special, why some might be threatened, by what forces (pollution, habitat destruction), and what else relies on the continued existence of these plants (insects, animals). They...
Curated OER
Endangered Species: Not Only Animals
Young scholars research endangered animals and plants. In this biology lesson, students are read Will We Miss Them? Endangered Species by Alexandra Wright before they begin searching for information to complete an endangered species...
Curated OER
Colors
Students explore various colors. They research information on the primary and secondary colors. Students research the colors of the rainbow and they create a picture of a rainbow using Kid Pix.
Curated OER
Where Do Animals Come From?
Students use library search engines to research an animal and its origin. In this animal research lesson, students research their assigned animal using ProQuest. Students then find the country of origin of the animal using a library...
Curated OER
Nonfiction Genre Mini-Unit: Persuasive Writing
Should primary graders have their own computers? Should animals be kept in captivity? Young writers learn how to develop and support a claim in this short unit on persuasive writing.
Curated OER
Inventions Over Time
Explore the inventions of the past with a project on ancient tools. After reading an article about hunting during the Archaic period, the Late Prehistoric period, and the Historic period, kids fill in a cause-and-effect chart about the...
Serendip
Evolution of Fur Color in Mice – Mutation, Environment and Natural Selection
Most species of animals include a variety of fur or hair color, but why? Scholars watch a video about a changing environment for mice. As the rocks around them change hues, different colors of mice begin to thrive. Discussion questions...
University of Kentucky
Beneficial Bug Scavenger Hunt
Many people think of bugs as annoying pests to be squashed, but most insects and spiders are beneficial, eating the actual pests or pollinating plants. After reviewing some of the common bugs in your area (they may differ from those...