Curated OER
Build a 3-d Plant Model
Third graders construct a three-dimensional model of a flowering plant. They examine the major plant parts and their basic functions. They demonstrate an understanding of the similarities and differences in the physical...
Curated OER
Name Match
In this name match worksheet, students match up fourteen different pond species to their formal names by drawing a line from one to the other.
National Park Service
Who Grows There?
More than 127 non-native species live in Glacier National Park in Montana and their infestations are growing! Pupils read about and gather samples of exotic plants. Participants create a master book of pressed plants and complete a...
Curated OER
Mammal and Bird Identification Cards
In this science worksheet, students examine 16 detailed color pictures of birds and mammals. Students identify each species. The answers are provided upside down at the bottom of the page.
Curated OER
Who Am I? Bird Identification
In this science worksheet, students examine 16 detailed pictures of different species of birds. Students identify each bird and write the name on the line in each box. Answers are given upside down at the bottom of the page.
Curated OER
Who Am I? Mammals Identification
In this science worksheet, students examine 16 detailed pictures of different species of mammals. Students identify each mammal. There is no room to write the name under the picture. It is assumed this is an oral activity, although there...
Curated OER
Mussel Identification Activity
Students identify given species of animals, such as various
mussels, by sets of physical characteristics as they use a key. They also read about mussels on the Illinois River and look at mussel species in the online database. Finally,...
Chicago Botanic Garden
Impacts of Climate on Forest Succession
Part two in a series of four explores the effects of climate on succession or the changing of plant species in a forest. Groups review how to identify trees and then spend a day in the field collecting extensive data on trees to...
Curated OER
Arizona Plant Booklet: An Introduction to Arizona Plants & Cacti
Young scholars explore variety of plants & cacti in their Arizona community by collecting samples and taking photographs. Can be adapted to other areas.
Michigan State University
Bug Lyphe!
Introduce ecology classes to biodiversity and interdependence in ecosystems with a PowerPoint presentation. Then, they get up-close and personal with the invertebrate world by collecting insects, classifying them, and graphing their...
Institute for Applied Ecology
From Salmonberry to Sagebrush - Exploring Oregon’s Native Plants
Take a deep dive into Oregon's ecosystems, plants, and changes from the past to the future. Many hands-on activities in an environmental science unit delight scholars, including creating a field guide for a local park. The in-depth study...
Purdue University
Tree Talk
Examining tree rings shows more than just age. The third installment of a five-part Family Nature Program unit has learners examine all parts of trees including tree rings to tell stories about the life of the tree. They then use their...
Curated OER
Intertidal Field Trip
Students explore an intertidal zone. In this science lesson, students travel to an intertidal zone. Students collect data and create species accumulation curves.
Curated OER
Sheffield Island Adaptation Activity
You don't have to visit The Maritime Aquarium to use this plan, but you would need to find a location where a variety of bird species live, re-write the activity worksheet to incorporate the local species, and purchase field guides for...
Alabama Wildlife Federation
Songbird Survey
Serenade your classes with a selection of bird songs. Scholars learn to identify birds by their songs with practice and then take their skills to the outdoors. They identify mating pairs while on a nature walk and repeat their walk over...
Curated OER
Create a Community Tree Tour
Students study tree identification. In this tree identification lesson plan, students design and assemble a tree tour booklet describing 5 trees found in their community. The booklet should feature common and Latin names of the species,...
Curated OER
Backyard Wildlife Conservation
Students survey local wildlife. They distinguish between permanent and migrating or seasonal species. Students identify species and describe the ecological niche. Students research the food chain and food web for the backyard...
Curated OER
Ten Important Hardwoods
Learners discuss ten important Pennsylvania hardwood trees, examine characteristics of each tree species, evaluate economic and ecological importance of hardwood trees, and recognize at least two characteristics of each species.
Curated OER
Name Match
In this name match worksheet, students match up ten species to their description or history by drawing a line between one to the other.
Curated OER
Wolves: DNA Pawprinting
A mystery canine was shot and killed near Yellowstone National Park in the early '90s. Genetics whizzes explain how they might go about identifying whether the animal was a true grey wolf or a hybrid. A drawing of the animal's DNA bands...
Curated OER
Name that plant!
What is a dichotomous key? When your kids ask, hand them a learning exercise like this one, to explain it. They use the key to identify four different trees, based on the budding twigs they've produced. Tip: Have learners extend this...
Curated OER
Amphibian Identification Exercise
Students are told that Idaho is home to many amphibians. They use the key to identify the species that are listed on the list. Students use the key to compare their species with the choices given and choose the option that best matches...
Curated OER
Tree Identification by the Use of Leaves
Young scholars explore trees and their leaves. In this tree identification instructional activity, students observe items and are able to identify them by the five clues they are given. Once the leaves are identified, young scholars in...
Curated OER
Plant Identification Pictionary
Students participate in a plant identification game. Using worksheets, they collect plant samples and identify the basic parts of the plant. They note the similarities and differences between the various diagrams. They use heavy books...