High schoolers investigate the models for the origin of modern humans and the conditions that facilitate speciation and evolution. The classification and nomenclature of hominid species is also examined.

Second graders listen to various, grade appropriate stories about trees. They create their own construction paper trees and discuss the importance of trees to the ecosystem and the importance of taking care of them. Finally, 2nd graders...

Learners explore geography by participating in a mapping activity. In this concentric ring instructional activity, students utilize a poster board, string and markers to identify their current location within the entire world. Learners...

Students examine selected local leaves in greater detail in the classroom by using more analytical drawing techniques. They use Thoreau's drawing of a Scarlett Oak as their model. Students choose a leave from a box of leaves removed...

Students design and construct an experiment that will be launched into space aboard a NASA research shuttle. How better to gain and appreciation for (and, hopefully, a love of) scientific investigation than to do real science and be...

Students find areas on playground where they would live if they were a grizzly bear, share their reasons for their choice, talk about habitat areas, and choose their sites again, based upon new information.

Students examine the given characteristics of a previously unknown dog-like creature, Canis pedatus, to decide if the creatures would survive when relocated to a new environment. They work in small groups to decide whether or not the...

Students study new types of birds and explore how to keep a log of what they see.

Middle schoolers become aware of the amount of different kinds of minerals are needed to maintain our standard of living by observing the worksheet. They study how it requires production of 40,000 pounds of new minerals and metals every...

Students, in groups, examine the given characteristics of a previously unknown dog-like creature, Canis pedatus. They discuss whether or not this species would show adaptations and survive if it were relocated to a new environment.

Students read about old telephone books are being recycled to make new objects and then answer short answer questions about it. In this recycling lesson plan, students also look into their books to find information.

Students read and discuss as a group the story, " Litter bugs Ignoring new laws." They discuss the story and then fill out a questionnaire and discuss ways of improvement and recycling ideas.

Students examine the relationship between energy and the environment. In groups, they participate in experiments to discover the law of thermodynamics and the differences between potential, kinetic and mechanical forms of energy. They...

Fifth graders focus on the various types of fish living in different water environments. In groups, they research the different methods used to fish and participate in experiments to determine the effects of mercury on fish, the...

Students create a sustainable, self-contained ecosystem in a ten-gallon aquarium.

Learners describe the changes that have affected the Missouri River over the past 200 years by identifying transformations in this area's atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. They research online in groups assigned to...

Learners explore changes in the Missouri River. In this Missouri River lesson plan, students discover that changes in the atmosphere cause changes in the river. Learners search the Internet for information about the Missouri River and...

Students study different natural disasters.  In this natural disaster lesson plan students read a nonfiction book followed by a discussion, an experiment,  then collect illustrations from their experience. 

Students explain the importance of having a control when setting up an experiment.

Young scholars research an animal. In this research lesson, students utilize various types of technology to gather information about an animal. Young scholars create a class blog and use digital photography for their research.

Students explore what the United States would be like today if the Bill of Rights had never been written.  For this exploring the constitution lesson, students research Supreme Court cases that were heard in the early years of the...

Students measure respiratory rates on live toads, and the effect water temperature has on their findings.  In this scientific method lesson, students record their findings and present them in a graph, comparing the results.

Sixth graders continue their examination of the state of Connecticut. After taking a field trip, they identify the types of birds, plants, invertebrates and vertebrates who make their home in the salt marshes. In groups, they identify...

Sixth graders create a KWL chart about microorganisms. In this biology lesson, 6th graders create and label a diagram on a microbial mat. They investigate the processes involved in the carbon, oxygen and sulfur cycles.