This short Why Files piece is about a recent discovery concerning the Tyrannosaurus rex. It presents evidence, based on biomechanics, that suggests that this dinosaur was not a fast runner, as once thought. Full description.

This lesson plan is part of the DiscoverySchool.com lesson plan library for grades 6-8. It discusses the dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex, and whether or not it was a scavenger or a predator. After researching many physical aspects of this dinosaur, students explain their views on this topic to show what they have learned. It includes objectives, materials, procedures, discussion questions, evaluation ideas, ... Full description.

This lesson plan is part of the DiscoverySchool.com lesson plan library for grades 6-8. It focuses on island formation through water level changes, coral growth, or volcanism. Through class demonstrations, worksheets, and research, students learn the different ways islands form as well as how different lifeforms develop on the islands. It includes objectives, materials, procedures, discussion questions, ... Full description.

This lesson plan is part of the DiscoverySchool.com lesson plan library for grades 6-8. It focuses on the Mesozoic era of Earth's history, when the dinosaurs were alive. Students divide into groups to research one of the three periods of this time, and create a habitat mural for that time period. At the end, comparisons are made between the three time periods to discover how dinosaurs evolved during ... Full description.

This lesson plan is part of the DiscoverySchool.com lesson plan library for grades 6-8. It focuses on adaptations that desert animals must make in order to survive in the harsh desert environment. Each student studies a certain creature and reports on specific adaptations it has made, and then a game is played to introduce students to these concepts. Included are objectives, materials, procedures, ... Full description.

This lesson plan is part of the DiscoverySchool.com lesson plan library for grades 6-8. Students conduct research by sampling organisms in a nearby freshwater habitat to determine how an organism's behavior and adaptation relate to its habitat, and how freshwater habitats have different characteristics depending on whether water is still or moving. Included are objectives, materials, procedures, discussion ... Full description.

This Classroom Connectors lesson plan teaches students to identify ways in which plants and animals are affected by and respond to various environmental stimuli, including light, water, and gravity. The site provides goals, objectives, an outline, time required, materials, activities, and closure ideas for the lesson. The Classroom Connectors address content with an activity approach while incorporating ... Full description.

This Classroom Connectors lesson plan teaches students the meaning of extinct and endangered, and explores the causes for extinction or endangered species status of animals living in the area. Goals, objectives, an outline, time needed, materials, activities, and closure ideas for the lesson are provided. Classroom Connectors address content with an activity approach while incorporating themes necessary ... Full description.

This Classroom Connectors lesson plan teaches students about ways to protect endangered species, as well as the concept of carrying capacity and its importance for wildlife and people. This site provides goals, objectives, an outline, time needed, materials, activities, and closure ideas for the lesson. Classroom Connectors address content with an activity approach while incorporating themes necessary ... Full description.

This two part activity will allow students to investigate biological diversity in the area of their school. They will first prepare a taxonomic key to distinguish between the four insects or spiders that they have selected. All of the keys are combined and students then perform a transect study of a neighborhood field or school playing ground. Finally as a class students will compile a list of the ... Full description.