Curated OER
What Were Dinosaurs Like?
Students compare and contrast dinosaurs to animals that are alive today through basic research.
Curated OER
Structure and Function of Bulbs, Corms and Rhizomes
Middle schoolers explore the concept of philanthropy and why people give. They investigate the importance of the tulip to Holland and the tradition of giving flowers away. They begin to explore the life cycle of tulips and dissect a bulb...
Curated OER
Photosynthesis and Cell Respiration
Fifth graders participate in scientific inquires regarding the concepts of photosynthesis and cell respiration. In this photosynthesis and cell respiration lesson, 5th graders describe the process of photosynthesis with relation to...
Curated OER
Plant Nutrition and Nutrients
Students observe seeds growth and examine the different parts of the seedling. In this biology lesson, students compare the growth of seeds planted in soil and in hydroponics. They record their observations in their science journal and...
Curated OER
Microviewer
In this microviewer worksheet, students observe several types of cells. Students draw each type of cell and label the important parts. Students also answer questions relatable to the cell and the purpose for study.
Curated OER
Little Sprout
Students plant seeds. In this producers lesson, students compare plants and list what they have in common. They discuss what plants need in order to grow. Students then plant seeds and observe them as they grow.
Curated OER
Fruits and Vegetables
Students explore the differences between plants with seeds and seedless. In this fruits and vegetables lesson students examine some vegetables and nuts that are really fruits.
Curated OER
The Plant Bartering System
Fifth graders explore plant characteristics by viewing a flower and seed presentation. In this environmental adaptation activity, 5th graders identify specific traits plants have in order to allow them to grow in different climates...
Education Outside
Seed Saving
After a discussion of the factors that affect seed germination, class groups harvest and preserve seeds from the school garden.
Chymist
Esters: An Introduction to Organic Chemistry Reactions
Scratch and sniff an introduction to organic chemical reactions. A creative lesson has individuals study the esters commonly used in scratch-and-sniff stickers and advertisements. Following the lab procedure, scholars create the organic...
California Academy of Science
Sustainable Water Solutions: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Switching indoor water fixtures to low flow reduces water usage by more than 45 percent. This and other solutions to reduce water usage have both pros and cons. Scholars view videos of different solutions, discuss them in small groups,...
North Carolina Consortium for Middle East Studies
Missing Pieces of the Puzzle: African Americans in Revolutionary Times
What's missing from most studies of the American Revolutionary War is information about the role African Americans played in the conflict. To correct this oversight, middle schoolers research groups like the Black Loyalists and Black...
Virginia Department of Education
Organisms in Symbiosis
Searching for an activity that allows emerging biologists to explore symbiosis up close and personal? Pupils collect samples and view lichens through a microscope and conclude with a discussion about the relationship they have with other...
Polar Trec
Where is the World's Water?
Scholars discover the amount of the Earth's water in various locations such as the ocean, ice, the atmosphere, etc. They then make a model of the how much water those percentages represent. Finally, analysis questions bring the concepts...
Curated OER
HAPPY SOIL, SAD SOIL
Students will be able to identify the characteristics of healthy soil and unhealthy soil.Take the class outside to an area of thick grass near trees, if available. Compare the
clothes people wear to the thin cover. Discuss the reasons...
Curated OER
Cell-a-bration
Fifth graders study the structures of a plant cell and animal cell. They create a graphic organizer and a food model. Finally, they write an essay comparing and contrasting plant and animal cells.
Curated OER
The Circle of Life
Fourth graders examine how the different organisms living in an ecosystem affect one another. In groups, they research a specific ecosystem and present their findings to the class based on the type of organisms found in it. To end the...
Curated OER
The Story of Corn
Students use primary sources to compare the early development of corn with current techniques of biotechnology and genetically engineered seeds, and identify plants natural to the Americas and those natural to Europe that were part of...
Curated OER
How are Seeds Alike and Different?
Second graders examine the seeds in fresh fruit. In this seeds lesson, 2nd graders view different seeds and tell how they are alike and different. Students separate the seeds into groups according to their characteristics.
Curated OER
Optional Laboratory: Comparing Soil Temperatures In Sun and Shade
Students work together to test the temperatures of different soils in shade and sun. They make their own hypothesis before beginning the experiment. They record their data and discuss as a class.
Curated OER
How Tall are Plants?
First graders measure a plant using unifix cubes and record their measurements on a class chart.
Curated OER
Science: How Tall Are Plants
First graders investigate plant growth and examine what factors contribute to plant growth. They keep a class chart of plant growth and write about and illustrate their conclusions.
Curated OER
Seahawk Educational & Environmental Discovery Program
Students identify and describe local poisonous plant/animals. They compare characteristics of three local ecosystems and describe common plants from different ecosystems; comparing shapes, colors, textures, and measuring sizes.
Curated OER
Plankton
Students research phytoplankton and zooplankton. In this food chain lesson, students read This is the Sea That Feeds Us and discuss plankton, food chains, and webs. Students define phytoplankton and compare them to land plants. Students...