Standard Course of Study :: Science

Aligned lesson plans

Nature's checks and balances: This unit introduces students to several essential understandings. They will learn that plants and animals depend on one another for survival and organisms interact within nature to create a balance. They will also learn that humans can influence and manipulate nature.; Format: lesson plan (grade 5 English Language Arts and Science); By Nicolette Heise.

The mountains of Nepal: Scientific investigations: This lesson introduces students to the mountain ecosystems of Nepal. Activities include a brainstorming activity, in which students think about ecosystems and biodiversity; a research activity, in which students use a variety of sources to gather information about the mountain ecosystems of Nepal; and a journal activity, in which students create journal entries based on the information gathered in their research.; Format: lesson plan (grade 5 and 7 Information Skills, Science, and Social Studies); By Robin Bartoletti.

Ecosystem problem solving: Students will apply their knowledge of ecosystems and the interdependence of plants and animals to creatively solve problems.; Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science); By Kelley Turner.

What's so key about a keystone species?: In this lesson, from Xpeditions, students learn about tiger sharks through Web sites such as National Geographic's "Filming Tiger Sharks" site. (Learn more); Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 Science); Provided by: National Geographic

What's happening to the emperor penguins?: In this lesson, from Xpeditions, students learn about emperor penguins' habitat and behaviors through Web sites such as National Geographic's "Creature Feature." (Learn more); Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 Science); Provided by: National Geographic

What do we know about nurse shark mating?: In this lesson, from Xpeditions, students use National Geographic articles to learn some basic information about nurse sharks and see photographs of scientists conducting nurse shark studies. (Learn more); Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 Science); Provided by: National Geographic

What did they eat?: Introduces students to the SuperCroc (Sarcosuchus imperator) and its eating habits. Students will also investigate the eating habits of American alligators and Nile crocodiles, drawing pictures and writing paragraphs explaining the similarities and differences... (Learn more); Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science); Provided by: National Geographic

The water column: Where do ocean animals belong?: In this Xpeditions lesson, students learn about three broad ocean habitats-the intertidal zone, the open ocean, and the abyss-and find out about some specific adaptations animals have made in each of these regions. (Learn more); Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science); Provided by: National Geographic

Social trade-offs: The purpose of this lesson, from Science NetLinks, is to make and evaluate decisions by weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each alternative. In the lesson, students practice the skill of decision-making through role-playing. (Learn more); Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 Science); Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Red Maple takeover: In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about the growing preponderance of Red Maples in forests of the eastern United States. (Learn more); Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 3 and 5 Science); Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Paperbag paleontology: Cornell Paleontologist John Chiment enlists the aid of younger school children in sorting through materials collected at a dig site and, in the process, demonstrates that anyone can “do science.” (Learn more); Format: activity/lesson plan (grade K–5 Science); Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Mark Twain's cave: Students will learn about the cave described in Mark Twain's famous novel, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. They will read a passage from the book and learn about how the cave has been used throughout history, using the Internet to learn about the... (Learn more); Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science); Provided by: National Geographic

Life in a drop of pond water: In this Science NetLinks lesson, the second in a two-part series on microorganisms, students observe microscopic organisms found in pond water using a hand lens, 30x magnification, and 100x magnification. (Learn more); Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science); Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Leopard seals and penguins: A delicate balance: In this lesson from Xpeditions, students consider the factors that could contribute to the disruption of the delicate balance between leopard seals and penguins in the Antarctic. (Learn more); Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science); Provided by: National Geographic

Introducing biodiversity: In this Science NetLinks lesson, students use online resources to identify the basic components necessary for biodiversity and the critical and countless benefits of habitats, as well as the serious present and future threats to their ongoing existence. (Learn more); Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 Science); Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Eco-Cycle: Finding the parts of an ecosystem: This lesson from Xpeditions uses the Eco-Cycle Station in National Geographic's Xpedition Hall to introduce students to ecosystems in Hawaii, as well as the plants and animals that make up the ecosystems. (Learn more); Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science); Provided by: National Geographic

Design a regional "eco park": In this Xpeditions lesson, students use the Internet to find out about the plants and animals that live in their local area. (Learn more); Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science and Social Studies); Provided by: National Geographic

Create a wetland scene: Students will learn about the different types of freshwater wetlands, and the factors that threaten their health. Finally, they will study specific examples of wetland areas of the U.S. and what is being done to protect them. (Learn more); Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science); Provided by: National Geographic

Crane Cam: Conservation and economics: In this Xpeditions lesson, students examine the intended and unintended consequences of human environmental intervention. (Learn more); Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science); Provided by: National Geographic

Crane Cam: Conservation and community: In this Xpeditions lesson, students examine the intended and unintended consequences of human environmental intervention. They study crane activity in the Platte River Valley and research the effects of human intervention on bird populations. (Learn more); Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 Science); Provided by: National Geographic