Polar Trec
Frozen Fish? Unique Adaptations of Antarctic Fish
Some fish contain proteins that act like antifreeze in order for them to live in the frigid waters of Antarctica! High schoolers determine how much antifreeze a fish needs to lower its body temp to -2.5 degrees. Teachers act as a...
Curated OER
Fragile Reefs
Students research how coral reefs form, where they are located, and what plant and animal species find shelter in reefs, build and display diorama to represent coral and animals that live in coral reef, and participate in discussion...
Purdue University
Reptiles, Amphibians, and the Scientific Method
What do a reptile and an amphibian have in common? A three-part lesson allows scholars to investigate the similarities and differences between the two types of animals by identifying specific body parts. The lesson highlights the...
Outside Education
Who Lives in a Tree?
Young scientists journey outside to observe what animals live in nearby tress. They identify the animal, take note of special features that help the animal in this habitat, and then illustrate their findings.
Curated OER
Open Inquiry Using C. elegans
Ever wondered what motivates a roundworm? Introduce your biology class to C. elegans, a non-parasitic model organism that can help them understand behavioral stimuli. Paired pupils design an experiment to test the worm's reaction to...
Curated OER
The World Around Me: Animal Songs
Learners explore various animals and their habitats. In this animal and habitat lesson plan, students discuss and describe familiar animals and their habitats. The learners listen to books about animals and their habitats, compare and...
Curated OER
How do living and non-living structures affect coral reef habitats?
Students create model coral reefs showing surface area and including examples of communities. In this coral reef lesson, students research and explore the functions or benefits from a coral reef. Students design a benthic habitat....
Curated OER
Crustacean Critters
Young scholars explore the habitats of hermit crabs. In this crustacean lesson, students discover what animals need to survive. Working with live hermit crabs, young scholars explore how hermit crabs have adapted to their habitats.
Curated OER
Deserts: How Do You Define One?
Second graders identify what constitutes as a desert by reading a habitat checklist. In this environment lesson plan, 2nd graders read a nature website to discover facts about the desert and where they are located. Students utilize art...
Curated OER
Striking a Balance
Students simulate animals in a food chain. In this food chain lesson plan, students are identified as grasshoppers, frogs or hawks. Popcorn is spread across a lawn and students are given baggies (stomachs) and colored sashes to identify...
Curated OER
For The Birds
Students observe birds building their nests. In this habitat lesson, students develop a Best Building Supply Bag and record how the birds build their nests. Students keep a Field Journal.
Curated OER
Move it Like An Animal
Students investigate how animals move. In this animals lesson plan, students use pictures of animals and demonstrate how each of them moves from place to place.
Curated OER
Acorns
Students experience hoarding food for winter. For this squirrel lesson, students simulate hoarding behavior as either a red or gray squirrel. Students play a game called Winter Survival and discover how squirrels survive through the...
Curated OER
Can Fishing
Fifth graders investigate aquatic organisms. In this fishing lesson, 5th graders use can-fishing rigs to observe animals in their natural habitat. Students consider ways to solve a problem and discuss their findings.
Curated OER
Black Bat Silhouette
Students research the habitats, habits, shapes, colors, and sizes of bats. They recognize that silhouettes can be used in various forms of artwork. Students experiment with watercolors to see how easily these colors can be blended on wet...
Curated OER
Underground Garden
Learners study life in a garden, above and below ground. They create a cross-section picture, identifying connections and continuity between the two adjacent spheres. In addition, they list and describe the habitats of the plants and...
Curated OER
Micro-Climate
Atmosphere aces investigate the microclimates that exist within a larger area. They use a thermometer to record the varying temperatures and identify the microclimates on a map that they have drawn. This exercise helps them to understand...
Curated OER
Alligator Alley
Students identify alligator body parts, feeding patterns, habitats, and conditions necessary for their survival in the wild. They identify ways that people influence the quality of life of all creatures on Earth, including themselves and...
Curated OER
Erase It! Endangered Animals
Students discover why many animals, insects, and birds are becoming extinct. They understand the importance of the food chain and how disturbing one area of it can cause havoc with wildlife. They discover how they can make a difference...
Curated OER
Flying Fish Stabile
Students research the similarities and differences between stabiles and mobiles, and the physics principles embodied in each construction. They investigate different types of fish and their habitats, paying special attention to their...
Curated OER
Penguin Parade
Students research the different species of penguins, discovering where the various types live, breed, and how they survive. They compare and contrast characteristics of various types of penguins such as size, weight, coloring, and...
Curated OER
Perched Parrot Decorative Chair
Students discuss the rainforests and why they are important to the Earth's environment. They study the habitats and characteristics of various animals that live in rainforests. Students build a decorative chair using a rainforest theme.
Curated OER
Tropical Dreamscape
Students research information about animal habitats and plant growth in tropical environments. They create unique art with foregrounds and backgrounds that camouflage tropical creatures and search for hidden animals in peer artwork.
Curated OER
Leaf, Tree and Prairie Study
Students are introduced to the topic of Botany and the process of photosynthesis. Using various habitats, they research the amount of destruction it is facing and how to solve the problem. They make a leaf booklet with leaves they find...