Curated OER
What's That Brown Fuzzy Stuff On My Plum?
Learners examine Koch's Postulates by actually using them. They perform each of the required four steps to show that the brown fuzzy fungus they see growing on stone fruit (plums, peaches, nectarines, cherries) is what causes them to rot.
Curated OER
Fungal History
Students identify different types of fungi. They discuss how mushrooms are used in American culture and research an issue about a type of fungi. They share their information with the class.
Curated OER
The Nature and Science of Technology
Fifth graders practice using the scientific method by observing and creating mold. For this bacteria lesson, 5th graders experiment creating their own mold and fungus using petri dishes and oatmeal. Students create an information table...
Curated OER
Diseases
Sixth graders create a type of notebook or journal using colored copy paper on which to take notes. They complete research on a certain disease and report on it and then design their own disease causing bacteria or virus. Finally, 6th...
Curated OER
Rotten Truth
Students complete activities to study decomposition. In this decomposition lesson plan, students work in pairs to observe a decay buffet experiment. Students keep compost bag journals. Students define and discuss the process of...
Cornell University
Bacteria Take Over and Down
Bacteria outnumber all other forms of life on Earth. Scholars observe the growth of bacteria in petri dishes to understand their role in maintaining good health. Then, they observe the growth of bacteria after they introduce...
Curated OER
Forest Decomposition
Students explore decomposition. Students define and describe components of the decomposition process. Students make a composter in a terrarium. Students record observations and changes weekly, drawing conclusions about the results of...
Curated OER
Spud Smear
Learners study various samples of microorganisms in petri dishes. For this microorganism lesson, students place various samples of items in petri dishes and observe them after several days of incubation.
Curated OER
Cavern Life: The Food Web
Young scholars explain the importance of elements on a food web. They realize that without light there can be no life. They perform various activities based on grade level.
Curated OER
Science Processes
Fifth graders observe a dry piece of bread and a damp piece of bread in two separate sealed bags that have been sitting for several days that have been labeled. The observe the mold with a hand lens and record findings in their science...
Curated OER
Moisture Lesson Plan
Students investigate the effects of moisture and dampness on homes, clothing, and mold growth. In this moisture lesson, students discuss which certain cities are damper than others based on location and geography. They talk about the...
Curated OER
Good Guys or Bad Guys
Sixth graders complete a variety of activities to explore both positive and negative effects of microorganisms. They, in groups, engage in a series of experiments which illustrate the effects of certain molds.
Cornell University
Renewable Resins and Composites
Merge chemistry with environmental science to study biodegradable materials. An engaging activity allows learners to experiment with different resin concentrations and composites. Through experimental tests, scholars test their creations...
Curated OER
Food-Borne Illnesses
Use this lesson to have your charges consider the differences between food spoilage and food-borne illnesses including the differentiation of food infections and food intoxication, including characteristics of each. Some excellent...
Curated OER
Backyard Bugs
Explore the concept of scientific classification and the similarities and differences between plant and animal species. Your class will participate in hands-on activities by investigating dichotomous keys and classifying their shoes. To...
Curated OER
Plant Disease Identification and Classification by Using Sterile Techniques
Seventh graders identify how to use sterile techniques when identifying plant pathogens. In this plant diseases instructional activity students complete a lab activity in which they see how plant diseases are identified and classified.
Curated OER
What Is the Nature of Science?
Students distinguish between scientific and everyday meanings of key words-theory, hypothesis, law, fact-and use in context. They recognize the variables that affect observation, data collection, and interpretation. They discover the...
Curated OER
Microorganisms: Good Guys or Bad Guys?
Learners discover the role microorganisms play in our lives. In this decomposition lesson, students examine decaying foods and plants in order to analyze the different bacteria that grows. Learners discuss the good and bad of...
Curated OER
Yeast
Young scholars study the characteristics of yeasts. In this biology lesson, students conduct experiments to measure yeast respiration. They discuss the favorable conditions needed for growing them.
Curated OER
Living or Non-Living
Students examine living and non-living things. In this life science activity, students are given a group of objects and discuss if they are living or non-living. Students identify and list characteristics of living things.
Curated OER
Odyssey of Life, Part II-The Unknown World
Students complete an experiment in which they observe different natural sample in which they uncover the microbial world. They complete a two part worksheet that accompanies the lesson plan.
Curated OER
Using Sterile Techniques as a Tool in Studying Plant Diseases
Seventh graders examine the concept of sterile techniques. They realize that plant diseases can be identified and classified in various way. Students identify some of the diseases that attack the garden plants.
Curated OER
EPA Pesticides Reduction
Students examine the effects of pesticides on the environment and bugs. They answer questions as an assessment.
Curated OER
Health: Food Borne Illnesses
Students discover how to inhibit food borne illnesses by practicing safe food-handling techniques. Among topics they examine are the advantages and disadvantages of using wooden or plastic cutting boards. After studying for the test,...