The surge in human population in the last 2,000 years, due in large part to better health care, has brought a surge in the demand for resources and in pollution. The graphics, photographs, and real-life examples in a thought-provoking...

A link to a comprehensive macroinvertebrate guide gives you the information needed to prepare for this field study activity. Sample macroinvertebrates are collected from areas representing different environmental conditions. Junior...

Young scholars explore the classification system of organisms: taxonomy. They examine prepared slides of Protozoans and record information on a Taxonomy Recording Sheet. Two additional classifying activities are also included in this...

Young scholars organize different species of plans and animals according to various characteristics. Students then determine what characteristics enable them to survive in their habitat. Game ideas and activities are included.

Students compare the different classifications and explore how organisms are grouped.  In this classification lesson students study images of organisms and answer questions. 

Students study fungi and its characteristics.  In this fungi lesson students collect and observe fungi then answer questions on what they saw. 

Students explore a variety of basic fish body form and their functions. They differentiate between different species of fish found in the Chesapeake Bay and St. Mary's River. In addition, they match pictures with descriptions using...

Fifth graders explore the concept of how the more diverse an ecosystem is, the more interdependence of species exists within that system. The complex relationships among diverse species are difficult to identify. As species disappear or...

In this biology worksheet, students identify and define the vocabulary terms listed and make a prediction about the outcomes of the experiment. Then they complete the chart of the observations of the plankton diversity in drops of pond...

Young scholars explore biological evolution and natural selection and its evolutionary consequences. They also explore how organisms are interdependent on one another.

Students examine the role of Purple Loosestrife in Illinois and Indiana rivers. In groups, they collect a wide variety of plants in a wetland and raise beetles in a controlled environment. They introduce the loosestrife into the...

Students identify and describe the mechanisms of natural selection. They study Cambrian Period animals and discuss adaptations for their specific environment.Students compare and contrast a modern sea animal with the Cambrian era animal...

Students discuss what comes to mind when they hear the term cell and discuss what a cell is in biological terms. They look at pictures of cells and color a picture of a cell diagram, writing the job of each part as they go. After the...

Students explore the interdependence of animals and their habitat.  In this Hawaiian ecology lesson, students work in groups to research the necessity of preserving precious coral as a habitat for monk seals.  Students prepare...

High schoolers participate in a discussion about the three types of natural selection. In groups, they identify examples of adaptations from photographs. To end the lesson, they analyze results of natural selection in adaptation,...

Students explore the diversity of different marine sanctuaries.  In this biodiversity lesson students work in groups to explore a sanctuary.

For this introduction to animals instructional activity, students complete a crossword puzzle with 47 questions on the types and characteristics of animals.

Seventh graders describe the main characteristics of warm-blooded vertebrate animals. They compare and contrast the two different groups of warm-blooded vertebrate animals by looking at external, reproductive, and growth characteristics.

Students research bioterrorism and then create two political cartoons, one that shows the viewpoint that bioterrorism is not a threat and one that shows the viewpoint that it is.

Students investigate the diversity of life that is found in Montana. They research some of the different interactions that organisms have with their environment. The lesson includes an extensive introduction for teacher information....

Students summarize the findings of the Pew Ocean Commission report "America's Living Oceans," contrast it to an opposing viewpoint, and recommend a fisheries policy based on their understanding. It includes a scoresheet that was created...

Students explain the differences between psychology, pseudoscience and popular opinion. In groups, they describe, compare and contrast the various biological and cognitive perspectives in the field. Using the internet, they describe the...

Examine a slug? Of course, what else would a 2nd grader do with it? Pupils use clues and go on a slug hunt, read a slug story, or make a cooperative group mural of a slug's habitat. While older learners catalog slugs, go on a slug hunt,...