Students observe their local forest and document the change that occurs over the school year.  For this forestry lesson plan, students utilize a GPS to mark a certain area of the woods as their study area for the remainder of the...

Few children's books convey the message of conservation as well as Dr. Seuss' The Lorax. Read the story aloud, emphasizing the interconnectedness of plants and animals in an ecosystem and discussing different ways people can help...

Students participate in various outdoor science activities to enhance their observation, classification, and analysis skills. In this outdoor activity, students begin by observing a tree from a straightforward angle, then from the...

Fourth graders observe, plan, research, and create a field guide for the trees that are in their schoolyard. In this trees lesson plan, 4th graders make careful observations of what they see around their school and create a guide.

Students examine the animals that live in trees. They identify their sounds, footprints and droppings. They draw pictures of the animals as well.

Students observe the effect of gravity on objects. They use tubing and other materials to simulate a roller caster. Afterward, they create a journal to write their observations and summaries.

Young scholars examine the different branches of the primate family tree. They create fact cards about various species of non-human primates and then write fictional skits about interactions among the different primates.

Sixth graders identify plants in the wetlands. For this plant detectives lesson, 6th graders complete a scavenger hunt on a local reserve, record observations, and respond in their journals. 

Second graders recall the affect of direct and angled sunlight on the seasons, describe some results of warming soil and air in spring, predict the changes in buds when twigs are placed in water, and taste a product of tree sap and...

Young scholars observe birds building their nests. In this habitat lesson, students develop a Best Building Supply Bag and record how the birds build their nests. Young scholars keep a Field Journal.

Students identify erosion in various forms and explain its causes. They look for evidence of erosion on school grounds, describe it in their journals, and draw labeled rough sketches of the erosion.

In this carbon cycle lesson plan, middle schoolers review the carbon cycle and visit stations in the room where they experience every phase in the carbon cycle. Students journal about their journey through the cycle and brainstorm...

Fifth graders study the effects of running water on erosion. They examine how the soil on the playground is affected by erosion and determine how the placement of trees and shrubs changes the path of erosion. In their science journals,...

Fourth graders examine how trees help to absorb the pollution that is emitted from automobiles. They review the process of photosynthesis and determine how forest management is important on their reservation. They think about the...

Students hike a local mountain and examine its life zones. They measure various components at each zone and collect leaf litter at the sites. At the mountain top, students make descriptive observations and complete a handout about the...

Fifth graders are introduced to the important topic of renewable, and non-renewable, resources. They are expected to be able to correctly categorize different types of resources as renewable or non-renewable. Another emphasis of this...

Students explore changing logging practices in the Congo Republic and research the many roles of tropical forests as a natural resource. To synthesize their understanding, students write letters to loggers in Africa, urging them to adopt...

Seventh graders examine proper journaling techniques, and record observations about at tree after listening to a read aloud of "Four Worlds: The Dine Story of Creation." They study the difference between living and non-living things, and...

Students observe, measure, and sort tree leaves. They examine leaves individually, in groups, and in relationship to the entire tree. Pupils take a walk outside for a "Leaf Walk." Students are each given a lunch size paper bag, so that...

Young scholars write a research paper on hurricanes. In this weather instructional activity, students use a science text book to write down facts about hurricanes on note cards and then outline their essay. Young scholars use the outline...

Learners identify attributes of natural and manufactured wood products. In this forest products instructional activity, students perform independent research to find an article about forest use or forest products. They spread out samples...

Young scholars conduct research to find references to plants or animals and their uses by Lewis & Clark's Corps of Discovery by using materials available such as journals, books, internet sources, library materials. Groups create a...

Students collect and study information about worms. They discover how an earthworm helps process and loosen the soil. They write in their journals as well.

Students actively search a the ground outside and find several types of leaves, lichen, feathers and trash. They place items into journals, write entries, draw pictures and ask questions about the items found on their exploration.