Curated OER
An Introduction to Sensors
Students list as many examples as they can of sensors in their homes and/or automobiles, define sensor and discuss what qualifies devices as sensors, explore human eyes as sensors while watching teacher demonstration, recognize that...
Curated OER
Dragon Genetics - Understanding Inheritance
Six pages begin with a detailed introduction to meiosis and homologous chromosome pairs. Instructions guide learners through a simulation in which they draw craft sticks marked with autosomes in order to decode the genes inherited by...
Curated OER
Darwin's Obituary
Students read and analyze an obituary written for Charles Darwin. They are already familiar with Darwin and the theory of evolution. This is an introduction to evolution, or in fact, an introduction to biology.
Curated OER
Introduction to Nutrition
Fourth graders plan nutritional meals by using the USDA's Food Guide Pyramid and analyze food labels to aid in this planning. Using a slice of Wonderbread they discover what a calorie means, and that being active means burning up more...
Kenan Fellows
Unit 2: DNA Analysis
Ever wonder how they solve those mysterious murders in TV crime dramas? The second of four units in a Biotechnology series introduces scholars to the many methods of DNA analysis. Pupils create and run their own gel electrophoresis...
Montana Natural History Center
Studying Grassland Ecosystems
At first glance, grassland ecosystems might seem dull and uninteresting, but once you start to explore it's amazing the things you'll find! Through this series of engaging lessons, activities, and experiments, elementary students examine...
Teach Engineering
Linking Sources and Pollutants
Class members use an air quality monitor to measure the amount of gas-phase pollutants emitted by different sources. Groups choose three different sources and make predictions about what the monitors will detect. Teams then expose the...
Nuffield Foundation
Investigating the Effects of Biochar on Soil Fertility
Breathe some new life into charcoal. Scholars use biochar to improve soil fertility. They test the effectiveness of this addition by conducting an experiment with soil having 0%, 2%, and 4% biochar.
Serendip
Structure and Function of Cells, Organs and Organ Systems
Cells of different organs have unique cell functions. Learn how cell functions vary depending on their roles in the body using an inquiry-based activity. Scholars analyze the cell structure to make comparisons to its functions, allowing...
Curated OER
Introduction to Biomolecules
Students are introduced to biomolecules and their roles in livin systems. They are introduced to the "Elements of Life." Students write down and define the "Elements of Life." They are asked why they think those elements are essential...
Curated OER
Introduction to Mendelian Genetics using Fiction
Students investigate Mendelian Genetics by studying the history of Mendel and what it was like to be a 19th century scientist. They read a pieces of fiction during this investigation.
Curated OER
Introduction To Natural Selection
Seventh graders investigate the concept of natural selection and it relation to the theory of evolution. They create a definition for classification based upon looking at other subjects that are similar. The variation of species is...
Curated OER
Introduction to Measuring the Forest
Students investigate how much wood is in a forest. In this forestry lesson plan, students calculate how much usable wood comes from the forest. They will read, Sizing Things Up from Trees + Me = Forestry, measure firewood piles, and...
Curated OER
Textbook Questions: Introduction to Economics
In this economics worksheet, students respond to 4 short answer questions about types of economies and theories of economists.
Curated OER
An Introduction to the Marine Environment and Geology of City Point: A Model for Experiential Teaching
Students begin the lesson by researching the history of City Point, Connecticut. Using a map, they color areas they were asked to find and discuss why the areas are important to the community. As a class, they are shown recent slides...
Curated OER
Introduction to Measurement
Student observes and measures the variability in the length of the forearm and the length of the foot and to test a common belief that the length of the foot is equal to the length of the forearm.
Curated OER
Introduction to Antibiotics
Students describe the impact of antibiotics on disease. They describe what infections antibiotics are useful for. Students are introduced to the idea of antibiotic resistance as a way to focus on antibiotics and the mechanisms by which...
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
A Thematic Learning Guide to Lions
Written as an accompaniment to a field trip to the Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Arizona, this is an interdisciplinary, themed lesson on lions. Even if you cannot take your upper-elementary kids to this attraction, there are a few...
Curated OER
The Great Cafeteria Caper
Learners extract DNA from their own hair roots. They run an electrophoresis gel to examine patterns of their DNA along with standard DNA. The experiment is based on a crime scene scenario.
Curated OER
Animal Cells
Young scholars define the function of the different parts of a cell. In this biology activity, students discuss cell structures and how its organelles perform basic functions. They differentiate between human and animal cells.
Curated OER
Medical Explorer: The Big Idea
Read informational text which relays how medical care differs around the globe and throughout history. There are three separate lessons, each focused on a particular case study, regional medical availability, and cultural norms. Learners...
Biology Junction
What Is Ecology?
Do you know the name for the biological study of interactions? A short presentation with accompanying worksheet introduces individuals to ecology. The materials offer a broad overview of the subject and the levels of organization to...
Towson University
Transformation Lab
Transform your class' understanding of genes and antibiotic resistance with the Transformation Lab. Junior geneticists create and observe their own resistant strains of E. coli through research, discussion, and experimentation. The...
Anthropological Association
Race: Teacher Guide: Race
How has the concept of race changed over time? Explore the genetic, cultural, and social aspects of race through a series of impactful activities. Scholars discover how race is influenced by inherited traits, examine census records to...