Curated OER
Watersheds and Wetlands
Students simulate a chemical spill. In this watersheds and wetlands lesson, students build a watershed and observe what happens when it rains. Students add wetlands to their watershed models and examine the effects of water pollution.
Curated OER
Fire Wars
Students identify fire risk factors for a property located near a wildland area. Students discuss ecosystems subject to wildland fire and consider what could be done to eliminate the problem.
Curated OER
Measurement of Biotic and Abiotic Objects
Students identify biotic and abiotic factors. In this environmental study instructional activity, students conduct a series of experiments to collect and record data and draw conclusions based on the results.
Curated OER
The Community Forest
Fourth graders plant a tree. In this sustainable forestry lesson, 4th graders define community forest and brainstorm a location to plant a new tree on the school grounds. Students learn how to plant a tree and discuss choosing an...
Curated OER
Leaf Collection
Students examine the tree species in Pennsylvania. In this Pennsylvania tree lesson plan students use field guides to assist them in identifying tree species.
Curated OER
Water Quality Survey
Students identify the differences in the water quality of a stream and complete water testing. In this water quality lesson students collect aquatic insects and identify them.
Desert Discoveries
Keepers of the Prairie
Young ecologists examine the case of the prairie dog, and their near extinction. They read a terrific student handout embedded in the plan, and engage in a class discussion that's based on what they read. Learners perform research on...
Curated OER
The High Cost of Chemical Dependency
Sixth graders explore, analyze and study the effect and impact that humans have on the environment based on their choices as individuals, businesses and governments. They assess the balance between human activities and aquatic pollution.
Curated OER
Defining Drought
Students examine the hydrologic impacts of drought. Humans can change the course of the water cycle, to some extent, to meet their needs, but can they do so without imposing risks on the plants and animals?
Curated OER
Wind and Wildfire
Emerging scientists research weather-related vocabulary terms, and map out where wildfires are most likely to occur. To bring this lesson to life, you could demonstrate what happens to a fire when you cool or remove the fuel, or cut off...
Curated OER
How can my breakfast help the birds?
Sixth graders design farms with a bird's habitat in mind. For this farm lesson plan, 6th graders research how sun grown coffee destroys a bird habitat, and then they make their own farm with a bird's habitat being preserved. They then...
Curated OER
Seas of Grass
Students view a video clip about grasslands. They identify threats to grasslands and describe cultures which have adapted to grassland conditions. They discuss possible solutions to preserve grasslands as well.
Curated OER
What is a National Forest
Students select and research a National Forest near their local community. They read and discuss the pamphlet "A Guide To Your National Forests," view photos of national forests, conduct Internet research, and complete the student...
Curated OER
Protecting Holy Cows
Young scholars study the interrelationships of organisms and their environments. They study ecological communities and determine what is necessary for survival. Students discuss and answer questions concerning a group's biome, habitat,...
Curated OER
The Everglades in Danger!
Learners are explained that the Florida Everglades are in danger. They explore the characteristics of the Florida Everglades. Students investigate about ways they can help protect the Florida Everglades. They are shown where Florida is...
Curated OER
Where Growth Meets Growth
Students discuss fire risk factors for a property located near a wildland area. In this science lesson plan, students identify, number, and provide reasons for areas of increased risk on a worksheet they think should be changed. Students...
Curated OER
Weather and Seasons: Mt. Seymour Winter Fieldtrip
Students explore winter adaptations and glare. In this winter weather instructional activity, students discuss the season of winter and how animals and plants adapt to the changing weather. Students discuss the glare off snow and make...
Curated OER
Environment
Students examine the energy saving benefits of trees. They identify ways in which trees reduce air pollution. They also work together to solve problems related to pollution.
Curated OER
Whose Breakfast isn't for the Birds?
Students explore coffee production. In this cross-curriculum rainforest ecology lesson, students research regions where coffee comes from and investigate how the native birds in the rainforest are effected by coffee production. ...
Curated OER
Flowering Phenology: How Do Plants Know When to Flower?
Students study the process of plant reproduction and the biotic and abiotic factors that affect flowering phenology. In this plant reproduction lesson plan, students describe the interaction of environmental factors as it relates to...
Curated OER
Cougar or Human: Which Needs Protection?
Students research the biology and natural history of the cougar. Students conduct Internet research to determine how cougars have been protected by humans and how it is affected by human decisions. Students write about reconciling...
Michigan Sea Grant
Water Quality
Learners observe water samples and measure the samples' water quality. Students develop their own criteria for measuring water quality and test for temperature, acidity, oxygen levels, turbidity, conductance, sediment and hardness.
Curated OER
What If We Run Out?
Students explore the consequences of shrinking habitats and the human impact on wildlife populations. They participate in a game to study the consequences and describe the preservation of animal habitats.
Curated OER
Defining Drought
High schoolers examine the hydrologic impacts of drought. They look at drought from a variety of prespectives. Students first focus on the scientific definition of drought, including weather patterns, water cycles, water requirements by...