Students read both fiction and nonfiction books with desert themes. Then they write desert stories and reports, reviewing texts for information to include in writing. Students also design desert scenes with details and setting elements...

Third graders listen to a story that introduce them to reptiles. They participate in a discussion concerning these desert animals and write from the rattlesnake's point of view.

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...

Fourth graders examine habitats for animals by creating their own in class environment.  In this environment lesson plan, 4th graders research the Internet for information on certain wild animals and the places in which they live....

Students investigate the natural characteristics of animals by completing a coloring activity.  In this animal properties lesson, students investigate the reasons different animals have specific colors, and how it is essential for...

Beginning wildlife biologists become adult bats, baby bats, snakes, owls, bobcats, or land-clearing developers in a grand role-playing activity. In a large open space, they play a game in which they move to designated areas based on what...

The centerpiece of this lesson plan is a predator-prey simulation in which colored paperclips represent different species of animals camouflaged against a colored background. Relevant follow-up questions are provided. The activity is...

Students use items from boxes to dress up classmates as animals adapted to a given environment.

Learners explore environments by analyzing food chains. In this biome identification instructional activity, students define a list of environmental vocabulary terms such as tundra, rain-forest and desert. Learners create a fictional...

Third graders complete activities to become familiar with the content and vocabulary related to biomes and ecosystems in order to mainstream into the classroom.

Students learn the mechanisms of natural selection by deducing information from the physical appearance of the animal.

Students examine what animals need in order to survive.  In this investigative lesson students play a "role" of an animal in winter.

Learners study how animals need water, food, shelter, and space to survive. They also study what animals need to survive in the winter. They play the part of animals and winter "threats" in a game of tag to reinforce concepts.

Young scholars explore animals, plants, and their habitats.

Students interpret and name the vocabulary termed acted out by the mime. In this science/language arts/physical education lesson, students are given a set of vocabulary terms to discuss within their group. Next, students place all...

Here is a terrific learning game that has pupils acting like lizards! Before the game starts, there is a class discussion on the differences between endotherms and exotherms. The main focus of the game is how each team must keep...

Students explore Earth science by completing a worksheet in class. In this botany lesson, students identify the relationship between the Milkweed plant and the butterflies which regularly feed on its nutrients. Students visit a list of...

Students read Sahara, Vanishing Cultures by Jan Reynolds. They complete a variety of cross-curricular activities surrounding the study nomadic cultures. Included are reading, art, math, science, writing, social studies, and library...

Students view photographs, read, and reflect on their own environments to gather information about gender roles in Lesotho and the United States. Students role-play gender role related scenarios and write about their reflections on the...

Second graders investigate rain forests by reading a habitat checklist.  In this environment instructional activity, 2nd graders read the book The Great Kapok Tree, and discuss what characteristics make up a rain forest....

Students debate over the development in the habitat of gray whales. In this role playing lesson, students will take on various roles in a debate over the development of a salt production facility in the San Ignacio Lagoon concerning the...

Fifth graders explore plant characteristics by viewing a flower and seed presentation. In this environmental adaptation instructional activity, 5th graders identify specific traits plants have in order to allow them to grow in different...

Students examine a small piece of land to determine the diversity of life on Earth. They role play as visitors from outer space seeing life on Earth for the first time. They measure and observe their plots while working in small groups....

Students develop a travelogue to describe the distinct ecological regions of Mount Kilimanjaro. Students simulate mountain climbing. They describe the health issues that may affect climbers, and any necessary equipment or safety...