Life Science
Current Issues
Subject Area: Ecosystems Type: C
Grade Level: 5-8
Check-Out Time: 3 Weeks
These activities allow students to explore environmental issues ranging from recognizing hazardous wastes to the effects of global warning. Students will discuss the greenhouse effect, learn environmental vocabulary, and find new ways to deal with solid wastes.
Environmentally Speaking
Subject Area: Ecosystems Type: A
Grade Level: 5-8
Check-Out Time: 6 Weeks
This comprehensive unit covers the following aspects of ecosystems: HABITAT, FOOD CHAINS/WEBS, BIOMES, EXTINCTION, ECOLOGY/RECYCLING, and ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP. The activities, although numerous, are meant to be done more or less in succession. Most of the activities can be completed in one class period. Some of the activities will be done outside.
Pollution
Subject Area: Ecosystems Type: C
Grade Level: 2-4
Check-Out Time: 3 Weeks
In these activities, students will identify different kinds of pollution and explore solutions to pollution problems. Students will shape decisions about the use of the environment through these activities. The activities range in length from 1 to 2 class periods.
Trash
Subject Area: Ecosystems Type: C
Grade Level: K-1
Check-Out Time: 3 Weeks
In these activities children will begin to understand that humans have the power to change the environment. They will identify, sort and classify items found in trash. They will investigate how trash is disposed of and how people can harm the environment. Students will also recognize that trash can be recycled.
Critters
Subject Area(s): Ecosystems, Evolution, Organization of Living Things Type: A
Grade Level: K-1
Check-Out Time: 5 Weeks
This unit captures students interest in critters that fly and creep in their environment, other words insects. Through this unit, students will discover a critter’s life cycle, body parts, habitat, eating habits, movement, sound, niche, and homes. Through the use of problem solving the students will be led to ask questions and collect data about critters and their environment. Students will become aware of the many similarities and differences in critters through various activities.
Leaf It To Me
Subject Area: Organization of Living Things Type: A
Grade Level: 2-3
Check-Out Time: 4 Weeks
The wonder of trees and what they mean to a child is the focus of this unit. Trees are an important part of our world, but all too often we take them for granted. This unit encourages children to appreciate the beauty, diversity and usefulness of trees in their daily lives. Students will compare leaves, needles, seeds and branches to identify common coniferous and deciduous trees. Students will become aware of the products obtained from trees, and realize the importance of trees in their daily lives.
Life Connections
Subject Area(s): Organization of Living Things, Cells, Heredity Type: A
Grade Level: 7-8
Check-Out Time: 5 Weeks
Students are introduced to genetics, the study of how characteristics are passed from parents to offspring. Students will observe living cells and be introduced to cell division. Students will also learn that many inherited traits appear in predictable patterns in the offspring of a genetic cross.
Incubation
Subject Area: Living Things Type: B
Grade Level: K-8
Check-Out Time: 8 Weeks
This module can be used in 2 ways. You may simply use the incubator to hatch your eggs. All materials to run an incubator lesson for chickens, pheasants, turkeys, etc. are included. Teacher needs to supply eggs, feed (once chicks hatch), a cardboard box (brooder), water, and some newspaper. Or "Incubation" can be taught as a unit using the research lesson provided. Either way plan about 8 weeks from start to finish.
Discovering Dissecting
Grade Level: 2-8
Check-Out Time: 4 Weeks
This module is designed to provide the new or experienced teacher with a complete kit used for dissecting almost any specimen. (Specimens not included--to be ordered ahead of time by the teacher. The Math/Science Center has most major science supply catalogs on hand. Call for any additional information. A list of tentative prices of specimens is also available.) A reproducible Teacher’s Manual is included in this module with complete instructions, classroom tips, and student activities for dissecting the following specimens: NIGHT CRAWLERS, SQUID, STARFISH, SHEEP OR COW EYES, SHEEP OR PIG HEARTS, FROGS, AND FLOWERS. Yes, even flowers can be dissected! Dissecting instruments, pins, and many consumables are included, along with two dried starfish and the lab manual.