Here is a hard-hitting, cross-curricular lesson on the effects that the deforestation of the Ozark forests in the 19th century had on the people, animals, and ecosystems of the area. The Dr. Seuss book The Lorax is used as a way of...

Students research the people that Lewis and Clark encountered on their expedition. In small groups, they conduct research on a group of Native Americans, answer research questions, and contribute information to a class chart comparing...

Students participate in a mock conference addressing the possible extinction of African wild dogs. For this wild dogs lesson plan, students state their arguments and ask questions about the issues they have researched.

Students use a journal to record observations. They make notes about what research may be needed to answer questions that have come up in the field and sketch or make connections in the curriculum. They research bioinformatics and...

Cities are compared to living, breathing, metabolizing organisms. Fourth in a five-part series of lessons, this one focuses on the flow of materials through a city. Links to interesting websites and images make your delivery of...

Investigate Pennsylvania Barns. Have your class consider the elements common to Pennsylvanian barns and why they are significant to the food production process. They write summaries of Frederick Watts and his impact on agriculture.

Seventh graders complete a virtual online salt marsh tour. In groups, they observe and identify the various types of animals found in the marsh. After categorizing the animals, they create a food web based on the animals role in the...

Learners research a Marine Protected Area and determine the species' that benefit from its protection.  In this marine lesson plan students present their findings to the class using PowerPoint.

Learners identify invasive species to the Great Lakes and analyze their impact on the ecosystem. Using photo cards with pictures and facts, young scientists work in small groups to match invasive species with their corresponding...

Young scholars recognize that organisms depend on other organisms.  In this organism lesson plan, students understand symbiotic relationships and competition.  Young scholars explain food chains and food webs.  Students...

Students discuss problems associated with a world climate change. They examine how animals would be affected if the world heated up.

Sixth graders examine climate change in the state of Colorado. In this climate lesson, 6th graders watch 2 video clips regarding the topic and research the subtopics- snow pack, precipitation, temperature, forest fires, river flow,...

Students use Internet research to determine the amount of carbon dioxide produced per unit energy for biomass and coal. In this alternative energy lesson, students research to find out how much energy and carbon dioxide several coal and...

Third graders examine the difference between a food web and food chain. They also examine the importance of the sun in a food web and food chain. Students understand what happens when you remove parts of the chain.

Pupils conduct individual research and participate in discussion be able to identify difference between forced and voluntary migration. They identify if push and pull factors are caused by political, social, economic, or environmental...

Young scholars examine how researchers study dolphins and whales. In this scientific research lesson, students complete a Web-based interactive lesson focused on showing how researchers study aquatic mammals. A worksheet and web...

Students explain the basics of the tropical rain forest ecosystem. They list the four general layers of vegetation found in the tropical rain forest.

Pupils describe migrations and life cycle pattersn of a key alfalfa pest, the Porato Leafhopper. They define the Economic Inquiry Level and Economic Threshold. Students evaluate data in relation to profit as it applies to IPM. They...

Students observe what happens to water as it goes from a solid to a liquid.  In this exploratory instructional activity students gain an understanding for the water cycle while working in groups observing what happens to water as it...

Learners study the process of plant reproduction and the biotic and abiotic factors that affect flowering phenology. In this plant reproduction lesson, students describe the interaction of environmental factors as it relates to...

Students discuss ways that the public can damage as well as preserve our natural and cultural resources. Small groups are each assigned one of the national parks and must design a poster or TV commercial that celebrates the importance of...

Young scholars explore invasive species on an environment.  In this exploratory lesson students hypothesize why shrimp are on the decline and make a brochure or poster showing their results. 

Students study the lifestyles and habitats of raptors that live in Minnesota. They play games associated with their study.

Students investigate the concepts related to managing the environment. They conduct research using a variety of resources. Students cite examples of different organisms that have been targeted to become endangered. They answer questions...