Curated OER
Learning About Mammals
Students study the mammal classification and forms of them living in the United States. For this mammal study lesson, students read through orders of mammals that exist in the United States. Students also study the taxonomy of an eastern...
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To Cut or Not To Cut
Students examine the pros and cons of animal dissection and discuss various case studies in animal dissection. They research various perspectives of using animals as learning tools and write a position paper which tells their opinion on...
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Classy
Students explore the classification system in this seven lessons unit. The diversity of life forms and their characteristics are examined using a microscope. Kingdoms, classes, and families are investigated.
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Eco-enrichers
Students discover the importance of plant and animal components within soil. In this soil lesson, students test the quality of soil. Students then conduct an experiment adding different components to bags of soil to see what will...
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Introduction to Classification
Fourth graders design a classification system to categorize animate and inanimate objects. They discuss the advantages of grouping things as they classify buttons, leaves, shells.
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Mammals
Pupils gather information from an online database about mammals. Choosing one mammal, they compare its physical characteristics, food habits, behavior and location to the other mammals they were introduced to in this instructional...
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Arctic/Antarctic Animals
Fourth graders explore animals of the Arctic and Antarctic and then create a report. They become aware of the great diversity among animals.
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The Eye; Structure and Function
Students research the structure and function of the eye. In this anatomy lesson plan, students write a report about the eye and draw an illustration. They research a particular animal's eye then present their findings to the class...
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Understanding Science Vocabulary and Categorization
Students analyze scientific vocabulary words. In this life science vocabulary lesson plan, students complete a worksheet using VisualThesaurus as they evaluate words related to plants and animals and how the words are used.
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An Egg is Quiet
Students discover information about animal eggs by reading the book, An Egg is Quiet. In this animal science lesson, students research different animals to find out what their eggs look like. Students use a provided chart to...
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Hatching chickens
Students recognize the need for gentle care of eggs. In this chicken hatching instructional activity, students observe the process of incubating eggs for hatching. Students find the materials needed to properly care for the chicks....
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The Game of Life
Young scholars explore the game of life which refers to what happens to a species when most of the population is gone. In this endangered species lesson, students describe what it means for a marine animal to be endangered. Young...
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From Wolf to Dog
Students explain how dogs evolved from wolves based on the video. In this biology instructional activity, students research about breeding animals for specific traits. They interview dog owners and create a presentation about the dog.
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Nature Superfish
Students study the behavior or ocean animals called billfish. In this life science activity, students create their own documentary about a local animal. They share their videos with the entire school.
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Dare to Care for a Grizzly Bear
Students examine the relationship between humans and grizzly bears. In this biology lesson, students research about the bear's habits and living environment. They write a letter to the US Fish and Wildlife Service petitioning them to...
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African Mask
Students make masks. In this African art lesson, students review background information about African art and the use of masks. Students use geometric shapes and other designs to create their masks.
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Dining Out With Fishes and Birds of the Hudson
The class will make observations to determine how environment has shaped the way particular birds and fish eat. They will view a series of photographs, read two short articles, and then consider how food availability has determined how...
Canadian Civil Liberties Education Trust
That’s Not Fair!
As part of a series of critical thinking exercises, kids consider issues of social justice, especially the factors that must be considered when trying to balance conflicting rights and freedoms.
Curated OER
Kingdom Animalia ~ A Look at the Five Major Classes
Biological taxonomy masters examine the five main classes under phylum chordata. Pupils compare and contrast the identifying characteristics of the various organisms. They explain why taxonomy is important in classifying organisms. You...
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Biodiversity
Fifth graders visit the playground to look for signs of life. They search for insects, birds, animal tracks, feathers, nests, trees, soil, etc. They then compose a class list that shows all findings in the schoolyard and post it in the...
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Study of Animals
Third graders use the internet to research about an animal. After watching a demonstration, they follow the same steps to gain access to the internet as their teacher and find a picture of their animal to print. They complete a worksheet...
Japan Society
Our Family and Other Families: Using Totoro to Teach Family Structure
What do families around the world have in common? Explore this theme through the popular animated film My Neighbor Totoro by Hayao Miyazaki. Over the course of two days, pupils view the film, pausing to discuss their own families and the...
Curated OER
Creating a Pollinator Garden
Students build a pollination garden. In this pollination lesson, students read directions and build a pollinator garden that will produce flowering plants for pollinator organisms to use in pollination of other plants.
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Biodiversity in an Estuary
Students investigate the biodiversity in estuaries. In this estuary lesson plan, students use Google Earth to explore the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. They produce a biodiversity concept map and portray the life of a...