This tutorial explores the adaptation of plants in their local environments by investigating examples of species native to British Columbia. Examples include adaptations such as large size (Sequoia trees), long life (bristlecone pines), fast growth (aspens), and thick bark (Ponderosa pines). There is an explanation of how plants absorb carbon dioxide give off oxygen, and draw nutrients and water from ... Full description.

This tutorial explores animal adaptations by investigating the examples of animals commonly found in the natural environments of British Columbia. The discussion covers various ways in which plants and animals develop special features (adaptations) that allow them to survive in their environments, such as flight, echolocation, thermreceptors, thick fur, antlers, and others. A quiz and glossary are ... Full description.

During this activity students will learn that the tiny animals and plants of the ocean's plankton are the basis of ocean food chains and that planktonic plants are called phytoplankton while planktonic animals are known as zooplankton. They will also discover that these plants, like plants on land, use chlorophyll to capture the energy of the sun to make food and release oxygen in the process known ... Full description.

In this earthquake safety classroom activity, students work in teams to build seismic safe structures. Students will try building their own structure to see if they can discover some of the features that minimize the effects on a building when the Earth shakes. Each team will build and test three structures following the instructions. After all teams finish, the class discusses features of seismic ... Full description.

In this research activity, students examine images of Antarctic organisms to learn how they have adapted to the continent's harsh conditions. All directions are included in a printable four-page handout. Students begin by visiting several websites, narrowing their focus to three organisms. They then complete an in-depth study of the organisms, completing a data sheet with details about everything ... Full description.

In this classroom activity, students consider what features an ideal creature would have to thrive in the extreme habitat of Antarctica, which has ice floes, katabatic winds, and subzero temperatures. They use recycled materials to construct a polar creature that is ideally suited to life in Antarctica. They then document their creation with a field guide entry. The printable four-page handout includes ... Full description.

This activity takes students to the Bozeman, Montana area, where many dinosaurs once lived. They will gain an understanding of paleontological field work by analyzing evidence, developing hypotheses about dinosaur behavior, and supporting their hypotheses with evidence. This lesson contains materials needed, procedure, and extension ideas. Full description.

This lesson plan is part of the Center for Educational Resources (CERES), a series of web-based astronomy lessons created by a team of master teachers, university faculty, and NASA researchers. It is designed to help students understand that planets travel in nearly circular orbits around the Sun, and that planetary motion obeys laws defined by Kepler and Newton. Students look at websites demonstrating ... Full description.

This activity demonstrates to students how paleontologists put fossil evidence together allowing them to imagine what the Earth was like millions of years ago. Students are given certain fossils (drawings or real specimens) and must draw a map showing what environments were present when the fossils were living. This lesson provides all necessary worksheets as well as extension activities. Full description.

Geologic Explorations allows learners to explore a variety of unique geological formations of Utah using Quicktime Virtual Reality (QTVR) panoramas and digital still imagery. Spectacular panoramas and striking images capture Utah's unique geology and invite students to explore and learn interesting facts and concepts central to the study of geology. Full description.