Learners experiment to determine the best watering schedule to use when growing grass. In this grass watering lesson, students examine rye grass seeds and discuss the role roots play in keeping grass healthy. They grow rye grass in clear...

Students explore Iowa geography and topographic maps. In this geography and topographic maps instructional activity, student investigate maps, newspapers, Iowa flora and fauna. Students gain an understanding of how different landforms...

Fifth graders measure how long it takes to make cookies. In this measuring time instructional activity, 5th graders explore how to manage time. Students decide when to start making breakfast on time, how to calculate playing time into...

Fifth graders participate in scientific inquires regarding the concepts of photosynthesis and cell respiration. In this photosynthesis and cell respiration lesson, 5th graders describe the process of photosynthesis with relation to...

Sixth graders participate in mapping and other activities to understand why ancient civilizations developed as they did. In this ancient civilization lesson plan, 6th graders recognize that there were three important climate zones and...

Students select a Colorado animal, develop a Directed Web page, and research their animal. Each member of the group combine their research and develop a Newsletter.

In this ecosystem worksheet, students answer questions about energy pyramids, food chains, consumers, producers, decomposers, biotic and abiotic factors in an environment, natural selection and the importance of biodiversity in an...

Young scholars create a linking chain to demonstrate the food chain.  In this food chain lesson, students use the Internet to research sharks, including what they eat, and create a chain link with a picture of a shark.  They...

First graders investigate composting. In this biology lesson, 1st graders identify ways to use garbage as fertilizer. Students examine soil and compost matter as well as the role of worms in the dirt.

Students examine the differences in the working and eating conditions between the late 1800s and today. They engage in an Internet Quest for information on cheese which culminate in a hands-on cheese-making experience and tasting activity.

Students gain an understanding of how elevation affects the flow of water. They discuss issues that can arise when residents and industries upstream pollute or irrigate a river, in opposition to those downstream. They role play opposing...

Young scholars examine the effect of hazardous chemicals on humans. They discover how the chemicals are cleaned up and the facilities in their neighborhood. They identify federal and local agencies that oversee environmental hazards

Learners study the three different types of levers and develop a simple machine. In this levers and simple machines lesson plan, students look at different types of levers, and experiment with a ruler and a marshmallow to determine how...

Structure and Function SynopsisStudents choose some biological object, examine its structure, and identify or speculate on one particular function. Next they create a blueprint of the object, focusing on the particular function. Then...

In this biology activity, students explain where the energy of food originally came from. Then the explain one of the principal chemical compounds that living things use to store energy. Students also describe how ATP and ADP differ and...

Students investigate seeds, flowers and germinating seeds. In this germination lesson plan, students observe a stalk of corn, a corn seed, Gladiolas and glass jars containing germinating sees and plants. Students answer 8 questions...

Students identify the physical properties of items using the sense of touch. In this touch and discover lesson plan, students describe items.  Students sort items using a Venn diagram.

Learners review succession charts for their native area before going to an outside site to view the changes. At the site, they follow the transect line and observe the changes in the plant life. They draw the changes on note cards that...

Students collect seeds from field plants as part of understanding seed dispersal.

Fourth graders participate in an activity dealing with the environment.

Pupils explore the lives of bgeahvers. They identify the physical and behavioral adaptations that help beavers survive in their environment. Students compare and contrast how beavers influence the ecology of both forest and aquatic...

Fourth graders are introduced to the concept of ecosystem; specifically, the interrelationships among plants and animals within an ecosystem, and their relationships to the environment in which they live and interact.

Young scholars use a plastic sandwich bag containing a damp paper towel taped to a window as a model system to observe the germination and early growth of radish seeds. They are challenged to pose a question about seed germination and...