Curated OER
Interpreting Data and Building Hypothesis
Students define the term species, and graph species data together with previously collected data at the National Zoo. They interpret graphed data and recognize patterns in the streamside quadrant versus hillside quadrant. Students use...
Curated OER
Mexican "Tona" Animal Masks
Students study the Mexican legend related to masks. They select an animal with traits they can identify with and recognize in themselves. Afterward, they create a mask that will retain some human features, but take on the life of the...
Curated OER
Dichotomous Keys
Students define the word dichotomous and explain why a dichotomous key is a useful tool in identifying different species. Then they look up words they are unfamiliar with or mollusk reference books so students can
learn the names of...
Curated OER
Buzzing is BEE-lieving
Students investigate insects. In this insect lesson, students explore various insect models and identify the characteristics of each. Students observe insects outside and tally how many insects they observe.
Curated OER
The Great Pollinators
Students discover the reproductive parts of a plant. In this biology lesson, students identify and categorize several different plants they dissect in class. Students record their information using a data chart.
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Insect Monitoring
Students participate in an interactive lesson using the scientific method to study biodiversity. In this insect monitoring lesson, students simulate the layers of soil and the insects that would live there. Students design...
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Biodiversity
In this biodiversity worksheet, students sort and classify animals by their observable features using a dichotomous key. Students then respond to questions about complete and incomplete metamorphosis.
Curated OER
In the Wild
Third graders examine the concept of ecology and how animals are suited to their habitats. For this animal adaptation lesson, 3rd graders identify a variety of plants and animal species that live in a Beech forest.Students create a food...
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Making and Carrying Out Laws
Second graders explain the institutions and practices of governments in the United States and other countries. They explain the difference between making laws, carrying out laws, determining if laws have been violated and punishing...
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Biographies of Heroes
Second graders explain the importance of individual action and character. They explain how heroes from long ago and the recent past make a difference in others' lives.
Curated OER
The Birth of a City
Third graders understand the role of rules and laws in our daily lives. They research the basic structure of the United States government. They participate in a simulated City Council meeting.
Curated OER
Measure for Measure: Time & Temperature
Middle schoolers examine scientific inquiry. In this time and temperature lesson students create a template to solve scientific problems and work through a science problem.
Curated OER
Penguins, Penguins, Penguins
Students create "juice bottle penguins" using paper mache, water-based paints, water, and recycled juice bottles. This activity is intended for early-elementary students and is great as a post-activity for a activity or unit on Penguins...
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Living and Non-Living
Students discover the basic needs of life. In this science lesson plan, students explore how all living things need air, water, food and shelter
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Animals of the Arctic
Students discover the animals that make the Canadian Arctic their home. In this Arctic animals lesson, students research the animals that live in the region and create posters that feature their findings.
Curated OER
Most Troublesome Exotic Invasive Plant Species Web Quest
Learners participate in a Web Quest activity in which they identify common exotic invasive plant species of the Southern Appalachian Region. After identifying the top 10 exotic invasive species, they choose one to research in depth.
Curated OER
The Rancho Period
Third graders describe how the Rancho period of settlement left its mark on the development of the local community.
Curated OER
Biology and the Digital Atlas
High schoolers participate in a scavenger hunt on the internet. Using a digital atlas, they find answers to specific questions related to plants found in Idaho. To end the instructional activity, they share their results to the class to...
Curated OER
Chinese Ritual: The Death Ceremony
Students discuss the importance of the Death Ceremony in Chinese culture using Du Fu's poem "Fireflies" as a basis of information and create original poetry in the style of Poet Du Fu.
National Audubon Society
National Audubon Society: Audubon Adventures: Wild About Birds
Colorful and engaging resources for learning about birds. There is a downloadable 4-page guide with information about John James Audubon, guidelines for how to observe and identify birds, and tips on how to be a friend to birds. There is...
National Audubon Society
National Audubon Society: Audubon Adventures: Raptors! The Birds of Prey
Engaging resources for learning about raptors. There is a downloadable 4-page student guide full of facts and information about them, a short quiz, and a game. Visit the Teachers' Lounge area for a lesson activity, an assessment piece, a...
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Cornell Lab of Ornithology: All About Birds
One of the great attractions of this site is the ability to listen to the birds. Each bird is categorized with a picture, description, its cry, conservation status and "Cool Facts." There are tips for attracting birds as well as...
University of Michigan
University of Michigan, Critter Catalog: Birds
A very comprehensive website that defines birds in general and then examines the various species of birds found in southeast Michigan. Look up a specific bird and find a description, pictures, sound clips, and classification information.
Earth Life
Earth Life Web: Bird Identification
Interested in doing some bird watching? This website from Earth-Life Web offers information on not only identifying birds in your own backyard, but in other countries as well. A long list of resources is included.