Curated OER
Dichotomous Keys
Students define the word dichotomous and explain why a dichotomous key is a useful tool in identifying different species. Then they look up words they are unfamiliar with or mollusk reference books so students can
learn the names of...
Chicago Botanic Garden
Leaf Litter Ecology Lab
Some organisms spend their entire lives in leaf litter. The third in a series of six is a great lesson exploring the community of leaf litter. Groups gather and then spread leaf litter over white paper and remove leaves/twigs while...
Curated OER
Shadow Know-How
In this science worksheet, students identify 11 bird species by their shadows or silhouettes. Students write the name of the bird in the box under the shadow. Answers are provided upside down at the bottom of the page.
Curated OER
Comparing Two Turtles
Students compare and contrast the various observable features of two different turtles. in groups, they complete a visual analysis of the sea turtle and tortoise. Using their observations, they complete Venn Diagram of the observable...
Curated OER
Mussel Identification Activity
Students participate in an activity in which they identify mussels by choosing a set of characteristics. They review the parts of a mussel before and after the activity. They complete a worksheet to finish the activity.
Curated OER
Discovering Science with Lewis & Clark
Students photograph plants and contribute their pictures to a class powerpoin on plant variety.
Curated OER
Indoor Gardening
Students determine how a plant grows best. In this botany lesson, students observe variables that affect plant growth. Students explore how to grow and maintain a plant. Students make observations of their plant as it grows.
Curated OER
Animal Kingdom Characteristics using Microsoft Access
Students create a computer database to discover relationships present in the Animal Kingdom. In this classification lesson, students enter data into a Microsoft Access database. They answer questions on a worksheet and create a visual...
Curated OER
Wood Identification Based on Density
Eighth graders measure irregular and regular shaped solids. In this investigative lesson students calculator volume, mass and density of wood and blocks.
Curated OER
Lichens as Air Quality Indicators: A beginning lichen identification study (2003
Young scholars use GPS and trees to explore lichens and air quality.
Curated OER
Create a Field Guide of Local Plants
Students become familiar with making herbarium specimens as well as utilizing field guides to help identify the species which they gather. They use their herbarium collection to create personalized field guides with plants in their...
Curated OER
Examine the Trees in Your Community Forest
Twelfth graders examine selected tree species. In this tree lesson, 12th graders examine twenty selected tree species, identify them, and correctly map out the trees in the area.
Curated OER
Native Plants: An Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
Students recognize various California native species by their physical appearances and characteristics. They recognize the adaptations that plants make to their surroundings and how humans make use of plants.
Curated OER
Leaf Collection
Students examine the tree species in Pennsylvania. In this Pennsylvania tree lesson students use field guides to assist them in identifying tree species.
Curated OER
In the Wild
Third graders examine the concept of ecology and how animals are suited to their habitats. In this animal adaptation lesson, 3rd graders identify a variety of plants and animal species that live in a Beech forest.Students create a food...
Curated OER
Insect Classification
Sixth graders learn the classification system of living organisms. They identify general body parts of an insect, learn insect classification into orders, families, genus and species, and classify given insects by using a scientific...
Curated OER
Marshland Ecosystem
Students classify animals based on their physical characteristics and eating habits. In this animal identification lesson plan, students investigate the life forms shown on a Parisian ceramic basin, and discover ecosystem the...
Curated OER
Animals Letter Shapes
Add some excitement to a basic life science activity by using this simple word puzzle! Scholars read 8 definitions and write the correct animal-related vocabulary word in the boxes provided. The boxes for each definition show the...
American Museum of Natural History
Feed the Birds
What kinds of birds are common in the area? Young scientists use household supplies to create bird feeders. They then document the birds that come to their feeders by keeping journals.
Curated OER
What Can a Leaf Be?
Students identify leaves for an art project and create a collage. In this leaf lesson, students review leaf characteristics. Students use leaves to create a collage of an animal or creature. Students write recipes of leaves for their...
Curated OER
Campus/community Weed Pull
Students practice field identification of exotic invasive species. They use their identification key, and invasive plant species flash cards to identify and dig up exotic invasive species in a preselected
area as a community service.
Curated OER
Dichotomous Key for Identifying Pine Trees
Middle schoolers identify the species of pine trees that are found in their area. They use unlabeled "mystery" samples and a dichotomous key to identify the pine trees to species. After identification, they use a field guide to answer...
Curated OER
Hide and Seek Science
Students examine macro-invertebrates in order to better understand their link to the food web. Working in groups, they record observations of several areas of a stream or river, collect samples from the river bottom, and identify the...
Curated OER
Twig Match
Learners practice observing and identifying the characteristics of twigs. They attempt to identify trees after their leaves have fallen off. They describe the twigs and participate in a matching activity with the twigs and student...