901 biology-life-science results | sort by:
Nature Guys Podcast - Bob Staggenborg
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): animals (275), conservation (103), listening (95), podcasts (134)
In the Classroom
Students can work in small groups to research and record their own short nature-themed podcast episode using Buzzsprout, reviewed here or Spotify for Podcasters, reviewed here, inspired by Nature Guys. They can script, narrate, and even add sound effects to bring their topic to life. While listening to an episode, students can take notes on interesting facts, key ideas, and new vocabulary. Afterward, they can share one thing they learned and one question they still have. After hearing about an animal or ecosystem from the podcast, students can choose a related topic to research and create a mini-presentation, poster, or digital slideshow with Canva Edu, reviewed here or Google Slides, reviewed here.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Classical Genetics Simulator - Ben Adamczyk
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): genetics (83), simulations (41)
In the Classroom
Students can use CGS to simulate monohybrid and dihybrid crosses, predicting offspring traits using Punnett squares before running the simulation. They can compare their predicted ratios with actual results and discuss any variations. Have students receive a set of unknown parent organisms and determine the inheritance pattern of a specific trait (e.g., dominant/recessive, incomplete dominance) by analyzing the results of simulated breeding experiments on their offspring. Students research a human genetic disorder, such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia, and then use CGS to model its inheritance pattern. They could create a family pedigree chart using Canva Edu, reviewed here or a mapping tool such as MindMup, reviewed here and explain how the disorder is passed down through generations.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Penguin Protection - Smithsonian Science Education
Grades
K to 3tag(s): animals (275), simulations (41)
In the Classroom
Before using the simulation, students could participate in a role-playing game where they act as penguin parents protecting their "egg" (a small ball or beanbag) from environmental dangers (ex., wind, cold, predators). This introduces them to the challenges penguins face in the context of Penguin Protection. After exploring the simulation, students can create a diorama of a rockhopper penguin habitat using a shoebox or a digital tool such as Tinkercad, reviewed here. Students can identify and label important features, such as nesting areas, food sources, and predators. Students imagine they are rockhopper penguins and write a short story about their journey raising a chick. They describe challenges like finding food, staying warm, and avoiding predators.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Game Center - Smithsonian Science Education
Grades
K to 8tag(s): engineering (135), habitats (99), nutrition (133), plants (139), simulations (41), STEM (330)
In the Classroom
After playing a game (ex., Tami's Tower or Showbiz Safari), have students create a strategy guide or review for future players. They summarize the game's goal, identify the most effective strategies, and explain how the game relates to real-world STEM concepts. Turn game-based learning into a classroom competition! Students can track their progress and discuss different problem-solving approaches. Create a leaderboard not just for high scores but also for most creative solutions, best teamwork, or most improved player. Challenge students to design their own educational STEM game based on the concepts they have learned. They can sketch a game board, write rules, or create a simple digital prototype. Have students research real-world applications of the game's concepts. For example, after playing Tami's Tower (engineering), students can explore famous bridges or buildings and discuss how engineers solve design challenges. They can present their findings through posters, slide presentations using Google Slides, reviewed here, or models. Students can make a 3D model online using Tinkercad, reviewed here or CoSpaces. reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Build-a-Fish - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
3 to 8tag(s): adaptations (15), evolution (89), habitats (99), marine biology (31), reefs (8), simulations (41)
In the Classroom
Before using the Build-a-Fish tool, show students images of various fish species and their habitats. Have them predict which body shapes, fins, or colors help the fish survive in their environment. After using the interactive tool, discuss how their predictions compare to their results. Students can create their own "Build-a-Fish" designs on paper by choosing specific adaptations such as body shape, mouth type, and fin placement. They must justify their choices based on the fish's hypothetical habitat (ex, deep ocean, coral reef, freshwater stream). Then, they can compare their designs with real-world fish species. Have students apply their understanding of adaptations to design a completely fictional aquatic creature. They can illustrate and describe how their creature's adaptations help it survive. Then, they can present their designs to the class in a "Marine Life Discovery Expo." Have students research real fish species and compare their adaptations to the choices they made in Build-a-Fish. They can create a comparison chart that shows similarities and differences, explaining how real-world environmental factors have shaped these adaptations.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Whale Protection Corps - Smithsonian Science Education
Grades
2 to 5tag(s): ecosystems (89), habitats (99), oceans (138), simulations (41), whales (12)
In the Classroom
Using Google Earth, reviewed here or printed maps, have students identify locations where whale migration overlaps with major shipping routes. They can propose protective zones based on research and compare them to actual conservation areas. After playing Whale Protection Corps, have students collect data from their gameplay, such as the number of whale collisions prevented and the cost of implementing solutions. Have them create bar graphs or line charts using paper, ClassTools, reviewed here, or Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here to compare different strategies. Discuss how data informs real-world environmental decision-making. Students can write a persuasive letter to a government official, advocating for the protection of whales. They can utilize evidence from the simulation and their research to explain why certain solutions should be implemented in real life.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Coral Reef Simulation - National Geographic
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): ecosystems (89), marine biology (31), reefs (8), simulations (41)
In the Classroom
Have students use the simulation to collect fish population data from different reef sites, compare their findings, and discuss what the data reveals about biodiversity and reef health. After completing the survey, students can research real-world threats to coral reefs (ex., climate change, overfishing, pollution), connect their findings from the simulation to actual case studies, and propose solutions for reef conservation. Students can collect multiple rounds of data in the simulation and create graphs using ClassTools, reviewed here or charts to analyze population trends.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Horticulture and Landscaping Jobs - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): careers (195), ecology (109), plants (139), STEM (330)
In the Classroom
Challenge students to act as landscape architects, designing an outdoor space (a park, school garden, or backyard). They can sketch a layout on paper or digitally using Sketchboard reviewed here or Draw.to reviewed here. They can choose appropriate plants and consider climate, soil, and sustainability factors. Students can learn a hands-on horticulture skill by propagating plants from cuttings (growing a new plant from a leaf or stem). They can track growth over time and discuss how horticulturists use propagation in nurseries and greenhouses. Then, students can collect soil samples from different areas and test pH levels and nutrients. They can predict which soil type would best support plant growth and relate findings to careers in agriculture and landscaping. Have your students design an eco-friendly garden that conserves water, supports pollinators, and reduces environmental impact. They should consider elements like native plants, rain gardens, and composting.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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We Are Here - SmithsonianAPA
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): artists (87), asia (133), authors (101), cultures (253), famous people (32), japan (61), japanese (51), multimedia (57), scientists (70)
In the Classroom
Have students illustrate an important moment in Asian American history, write a poem reflecting on identity and resilience, or ask them to research another cultural or historical movement that aligns with the themes in We Are Here (ex., the Civil Rights Movement, Indigenous history, or immigrant experiences). They can create a Venn diagram using Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here or infographic using Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Gardening: WQED Family and Community Learning - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
K to 3tag(s): plants (139)
In the Classroom
Students can participate in the lessons that are available on the website. Students can write a digital story as a timeline, using Timeline JS reviewed here about growing a plant in their classroom. Finally, students can use Padlet reviewed here to post questions about gardening, pollinators, composting, and hydroponics.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Great Job! - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): careers (195), machines (17), simple machines (21)
In the Classroom
Students could choose a career from the series and create a career pathway chart outlining high school courses to take, postsecondary school/training, and entry-level positions. Students can create concept maps using an online resource such as MindMup, reviewed here. Students could also interview a local professional in one of the featured careers (virtually or in person). After the interview, they can create a written summary, a podcast using Buzzsprout, reviewed here, or a short video using FlexClip, reviewed here sharing what they learned. Have students watch one of the videos and write a reflection, including what they found interesting, what skills are needed for the job, and whether they would consider this job.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Health Science Jobs - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): careers (195), scientists (70)
In the Classroom
Challenge students to brainstorm and design a new medical innovation (a device, app, or treatment method). They can sketch their idea and explain how it would improve healthcare. A fun idea would be to present them in a "Shark Tank" style competition. Have students share their ideas by creating a video using ScreenPal reviewed here. Set up simple health-related simulations, including measuring pulse and respiration rates before/after exercise, practicing first aid techniques (bandaging, CPR basics), and exploring medical technology (for example, how X-rays work). Provide students with a real-world patient case study (ex., symptoms of a disease), and in teams, they can act as healthcare professionals to diagnose the condition and suggest treatments.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Images of the Past - The Respiratory System: Iron Lung - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): medicine (56), respiration (10), scientists (70)
In the Classroom
Students can create a working lung model using a plastic bottle, balloons, and straws to demonstrate how the diaphragm helps with breathing. Discuss how the iron lung mimicked this process for polio patients. Students can research major advancements in respiratory treatments (ex., iron lung, ventilators, CPAP machines). Students can create a timeline for the advancements using Timeline, reviewed here. Challenge students to brainstorm and sketch a futuristic respiratory support device. Consider modern needs (pandemics, pollution, space travel) and how technology could help.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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PBS Learning Media's Agriculture collection - PBS Learning Media's Agriculture collection
Grades
K to 12tag(s): agriculture (47), careers (195), ecology (109), food chains (20)
In the Classroom
Skim through the lessons available on the site to find ideal resources for your lessons. Have students watch two videos on the same topic and compare and contrast them using Figjam, reviewed here. Have students create a word cloud with Aha Slides, reviewed here with all words associated with agriculture that the class generates.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Farm Food 360 - Farm Food 360
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): agriculture (47), animals (275), nutrition (133), virtual field trips (130)
In the Classroom
Students can compare and contrast the various "farms." Students can create a timeline by using My Lens, reviewed here of the process from start to finish of a certain farm product. Finally, students could conduct a virtual interview with a farmer.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Great Lakes Now - Great Lakes Now: Virtual Field Trips in the Great Lakes
Grades
4 to 10tag(s): habitats (99), virtual field trips (130)
In the Classroom
Students can research more about the area(s) the videos reference. Students can compare and contrast the various usages of the Great Lakes in the United States. Compare using a tool such as ClassTools Interactive Venn Diagrams reviewed here. You can click on the right side to choose between a two or three-circle Venn diagram. Students can research the animals that live in the Great Lakes and are mentioned in the videos by creating a book in Book Creator, reviewed here or by creating a presentation using Google Slides, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Nature Conservatory Virtual Field Trips - Nature Conservatory
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): conservation (103), environment (244), virtual field trips (130)
In the Classroom
Students could participate in the various virtual field trips offered. Students can track which Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) they are working with and look for commonalities and differences between each virtual field trip. In addition, students can create a journal entry of their field trip using Elementari, reviewed here or Google Slides, reviewed here. If students prefer, they could share their journal entry by creating a podcast using Acast, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Nature Conservatory - Nature Conservatory
Grades
K to 12tag(s): conservation (103), environment (244), virtual field trips (130)
In the Classroom
Students can explore the site and complete its activities. If students create a school garden, they can create a timeline of implementation steps, create a podcast about how they are working to create it (try Adobe Podcast reviewed here), and/or a schedule of who will be responsible for what aspect of the garden. If students participate in activities from the youth climate toolkit, they can advocate for the environment by creating podcasts, flyers, and public announcements reminding everyone to take care of the environment.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Save the Planet Breakout - Genially
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): conservation (103), digital escapes (28), game based learning (244), gamification (90), sustainability (54)
In the Classroom
Customize this escape room to match your curriculum requirements, then share it with students as an in-class activity, homework assignment, or flipped learning activity to review content. Find resources for your escape room by visiting TeachersFirst Special Topics Page: Escape Room Resources, reviewed here. Include your completed breakout room as an option on a choice board.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Library of Congress Research Guides - Library of Congress
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): african american (117), architecture (79), black history (127), branches of government (63), civil rights (218), civil war (142), conservation (103), energy (136), engineering (135), environment (244), foreign policy (13), hispanic (51), industrialization (12), jews (61), latin (22), literature (207), middle east (51), native americans (119), nutrition (133), photography (124), politics (120), population (52), religions (121), Research (79), sports (84), statistics (113), women (175), womenchangemaker (70), womens suffrage (64)
In the Classroom
Assign students to explore a Library of Congress guide on a historical event (ex., Civil Rights Movement, World War II) and have them read and summarize a firsthand account or diary (or blog) entry. Students can then write a journal entry or letter from someone who lived through the event. Try a simple blogging tool like Telegra.ph reviewed here. Choose a literature-focused research guide related to a classic novel or author (such as To Kill a Mockingbird or The Great Gatsby) and have students create a timeline using Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here or a newspaper front page using a template from Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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