Young scholars explore limu diversity. For this ocean ecosystem lesson, students classify limu according to its physical properties. Young scholars work in small groups to generate scientific observations and sort limu by characteristics.

Students consider how some animals, periodical cicadas, survive well in a particular environment due to the species' life cycle.

High schoolers use the Internet to complete an interactive simulation about evolution. They follow certain species and discover the process of natural selection. They answer questions to test for comprehension.

Pupils are introduced to Scientific Inquiry and discover how to design an experiment that answers critical questions using butterflies as the topic. They design experiments that compare the number of species of butterflies in a vacant,...

Students student the concept of bycatch, the act of unintentionally catching certain living creatures using fishing equipment. They determine the difference between bycatch and target creatures. They discover what species become bycatch...

Second graders discuss the term "endangered". They identify the reasons some animals are in danger of being wiped out. They discover ways humans can help the species survive.

Students work together to develop their own estuarine ecosystem in an aquarium. They observe the aquarium daily and record them in a notebook. They discuss the different interactions they see with the class.

Students observe the process of transect sampling using insect nets, to get a chance to compare the presence of different species and populations in various vegetational areas. They study the different specimens caught and compare their...

Students examine how species evolve over time and how this can change a population.  For this environment lesson students complete a worksheet on finches.

Students study bugs over a four week period.  In this insect collection of activities, students observe insects covering basic science concepts and skills, such as classification, observation, and responses to habitat....

Students identify organisms within the realms of pelagic, benthic and sea ice. They explain how these three interact with each other.

Fourth graders identify and classify birds found in Illinois. Using the internet, they discover how birds have adapted over time and how the adaptations have increased their life span. They compare and contrast the various adaptations...

Sixth graders role play predators, prey and other parts of the aquatic ecosystem. They show inter and intra-specific competition as well as the link between abiotic and biotic components in an ecosystem. Students play games about the...

Students work together to develop a hypothesis on the natural and applied hybridization of certain species in an ecosystem. Using the internet, they research this topic and read any recent articles or studies. They must note the...

Fifth graders describe the physical features of an owl and identify survival adaptations. They Investigate an owl's niche in an ecosystem. The students participate in an interactive puzzle on the internet that helps for motivation.

Learners study Charles Darwin's voyage on the HMS Beagle and his visit to the Gal??pagos Islands. They click through an interactive map of the Gal??pagos Islands to read actual and fictional journal entries from a fellow eco-tourist.

Eighth graders explore the Nature vs. Nurture controversy and discover how variations in species is due to the interaction of genetic material. Students engage in a twin study experiment in this unit.

Students collect data and compare whether protective coloration or camouflage provides better biological fitness in a given environment. They simulate predator prey interactions of two different species and use gene frequencies to...

Animals and plants develop relationships and rely on each other to survive. Pupils learn more about symbiosis through a video, a hands-on matching activity, and a game. They differentiate and describe each type on a written evaluation.

Be at the top of the food chain when it comes to understanding marine ecosystems. The 21st installment of a 23-part NOAA Enrichment in Marine sciences and Oceanography (NEMO) program investigates marine ecosystems, ocean zones, and food...

Students explore the beach. In this marine habitat instructional activity, students inspect sand grains, design beach profiles, classify marine life, and examine natural beach habitats. Students use spreadsheets to record data from their...

Eleventh graders examine a local body of water.  In this science lesson, 11th graders collect water samples to test.  Students analyze the data and make conclusions.  Students create tables and graphs of the data.

Young scholars create a mural of the food chain of the animals and plants of BC's rocky shore. For this food chain lesson plan, students also play a food chain matching game.

In this biology worksheet, students read about food chains and food webs. They then answer 4 questions regarding the information they just learned. The answers are on the last page in the packet.