In this lesson, students engage in the practice of science. They observe behaviors using Shape of Life videos with the audio and closed captioning turned off. They try to figure out what the phenomenon (the behavior) is and how it might help the organism to survive. Working in pairs they make a hypothesis about what they are observing with evidence to support their hypothesis.
Using the Power of Art to Teach Science
In this lesson, students combine art and science to interpret and illustrate graphical art. In this way, students will building understanding of the power of data infused art to convey the "bigger picture" of climate change.
Explore Scientists' Connection to the Three Dimensions of NGSS with our new lesson plan.
Students will get the 'real scoop' on what it's like to think like a scientist. Our new Science in Action lesson plan features NGSS aligned concepts in Three Dimensional Learning through Science and Engineering Practices (SEP's), Crosscutting Concepts (CC's) and Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI's).
Three Dimensions helps students see the interconnections between disciplines including science, critical thinking, math and English Language Arts (ELA) skills.
This new lesson plan is about our own family tree. We are chordates.
Your students will explore the evolution of the phylum Chordata by constructing a “family tree”—a diagram of evolutionary traits and animals, using cards showing Chordate traits. After watching the Chordate Shape of Life video, students revise their diagrams and add information, including examples of modern animals that exhibit the traits.
Highlights:
- Students will create evolutionary family trees.
- Students will understand and discuss key characteristics of chordate species orally and in writing.
HAVE FUN exploring your family tree.
In this lesson, students will examine a beautiful tree of life poster by artist Ray Troll and use it as a launchpad to explore evolutionary, or phylogenetic trees. Students will take a pre-assessment to address misconceptions about
phylogenetic trees before completing a modeling activity to give them a better understanding of how trees are used to model evolutionary relationships.
Invite your students to explore the origins of muscles, nerves, and other animal adaptations through a study of the fascinating phylum Cnidaria.
In this lesson plan students explore the origins of muscles, nerves, and other animal adaptations through a study of the fascinating phylum Cnidaria. They will have the opportunity to observe the predatory organisms, including sea anemones and jellies and the amazing adaptations that they use to catch prey, defend themselves, etc., in one or more Shape of Life video segments.
Learn the distinguishing features of each phyla.
Grade Level: 4 - 8
Minutes: 15
Subject: Animal Classification
Activity Type: Watch Shape of Life videos and PLAY CARDS!
Carbonated Communities
This series of two lessons uses cutting-edge scientific research on the effects of climate change on communities in the intertidal. Through a combination of a dynamic presentation and several videos, students are introduced to climate change’s effects on the ocean (ocean acidification and temperature increase) and how ocean organisms are affected. Students read and interpret graphs and construct a scientific explanation based on data from this research.
This collection consists of six lesson plans designed to help students construct an explanation of the geologic time scale based on personal connections, science concepts that include Law of Superposition and index fossils and nature of science ideas. The lessons highlight a diversity of scientists and geologic sites that complement Shape of Life videos.
A variety of modalities are engaged that encourage shared exploration with peers. Students go outside and observe the schoolyard, watch videos, create a “geologic site in a cup,” utilize technology for geologic time scale interpretations, work in small groups and participate in whole class discussions throughout the lessons.
Your students will ROCK these lessons!