University of Minnesota
Connect the Neurons!
Create a neuron frenzy as your pupils play the part of the neurons. An engaging lesson creates a human chain of neurons that pass cotton balls posing as neurotransmitters. Scholars learn about pre- and post-synapses as they complete the...
Curated OER
Ecosystems-The Essential Connection
Students develop their abilities to solve problems both in school and in a variety of situations similar to that they have encountered in life. They define the term ecosystem in nature by comparing them to familiar organizational...
ARKive
Temperate Rainforest in the Pacific Northwest
Explore the amazing temperate rainforest of the Pacific Northwest. Your class starts by investigating the animals and plants of the Northwest, specifically Washington, and then research an animal population common to the area. In small...
Curated OER
Use Concept Maps to Teach the Transfer of Energy
Practical tips, lessons, and ideas for teaching the transfer of energy.
Virginia Department of Education
Go with the Flow
How does nature's hierarchy relate to our local human environment? Answer this question, along with others, as the class visually depicts the natural hierarchy provided by nature. Pupils discuss each piece of the pyramid and its energy...
Curated OER
Survival: The Human Body in Extreme Environments
Students create a list of signs the human body gives during threatening weather conditions. They investigate the causes and conditions of dehydration, overheating, and hypothermia.
Curated OER
Internet Scavenger Hunt
Students use a computer and the internet to click on highlighted words to find certain answers. They then write the answer to the questions on paper. Finally, students choose one animal to write about. They research the animal on the...
Curated OER
Features of Culture
Students examine features of cultures. In this cultural diversity lesson, students explore 5 features of culture as they compare their cultural traditions to the traditions in other cultural groups.
Curated OER
How Do Cells Reproduce?
Pupils examine cell division and the process of mitosis. In this cell reproduction lesson students grow yeast and observe the results, and learn about the career of scientific illustration.
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How Are Plants Similar And Different?
Studetns create an index card database of different categories of plants such as bushes, trees, flowers, grasses and vegetables. They review the different parts of a plant and label pictures of plants on the database cards. They use the...
Curated OER
Marine Habitats of Galveston Island
Four lessons introduce elementary ecologists to salt marsh and sandy beach habitats. In the first lesson, they place shells and other materials in vinegar to determine if they contain calcium carbonate. In the second lesson, they read a...
Curated OER
Capturing Watershed Experiences
Students observe organisms found in the water. In this lesson on organisms, students collect water from local streams and tributaries in order to study the organisms found in the water. As a culminating activity, students create a...
Curated OER
Teaching Kids about the Environment
Fifth graders identify the species of plants and animals found in an environment. They compare these findings to plant and animal species found in an unlike environment. Students acquire and compare soil samples from the two sites chosen.
Curated OER
Families
First graders complete a unit on families and family structures. They create a family tree for their own family, construct a family mobile, sort and discuss photos of families from around the world, create a banner of ways to say "I...
Curated OER
Vermicomposting
Second graders create an eco-bin and study the habitat of the worm in soil. For this vermicomposting lesson, 2nd graders observe the effects of water ( too much or too little) and other factors on the eco-bin.
Curated OER
Colorado Animals Newsletter and Directed Web Page
Students select a Colorado animal, develop a Directed Web page, and research their animal. Each member of the group combine their research and develop a Newsletter.
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1,000 Cranes
Students improve motor skills through careful folding, a discipline necessary in the practice of origami. They develop multicultural awareness by exploring Japanese history.
Curated OER
Animal and Plant Habitats
Second graders write and illustrate a story. In this habitats lesson plan, 2nd graders learn about different types of plant and animal habitats. Students view video segments about habitats, answer comprehension questions, complete a...
Curated OER
Vermicomposting
First graders investigate composting. In this biology lesson plan, 1st graders identify ways to use garbage as fertilizer. Students examine soil and compost matter as well as the role of worms in the dirt.
Curated OER
Monarch Migration
Third graders investigate the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly. They experiment with various tools to simulate the mouth parts of insects, conduct research, record their observations of butterflies hatching, write a play, complete...
Curated OER
Animal Life Cycle
Students conduct hands-on experiments. In this life cycle instructional activity, students are able to observe a variety of animals as they travel through their life cycle (brine shrimp, mealworms, frog eggs and chicken eggs). Students...
Curated OER
Plant and Animal Cells - Are they Different?
High schoolers observe the similarities and differences between plant and animal cells. In this cell activity, students use microscopes to observe self prepared slides of animal and plant cells.
Curated OER
Who Takes Care of the Maya Forest Corridor?
First graders study the animals in the Maya Forest Reserve. In this conservation lesson plan, 1st graders create a graph to compare the environment of animals to their own. They design a 3D model of these two environments.
Curated OER
Climate Change Effects on Organisms and Ecosystems: You are the Experts!
Seventh graders research about the effect of climate on different ecosystems. In this life science lesson, 7th graders present their research by creating a poster, infomercial, skit or song. They discuss how organisms adapt to climate...