In this lesson, learners investigate endothermy and ectothermy. Four sets of images measuring infrared radiation are provided and, using a Web-based, customized version of ImageJ, students compare body temperatures of a snake and rat before and after exposure under a heat lamp. Full description.

In this lesson about the origin of life, students will learn that under suitable conditions, life-like structures can form naturally from relatively simple materials. Students will mix a carbohydrate solution with a protein solution, adjust the pH, and view coacervates: amoeba-like objects, which change shape, flow, merge, divide, form vacuoles, release vacuole contents, and show other life-like properties. ... Full description.

In this laboratory activity students grow Closterium algae in atmospheres that are enriched with, deprived of, or have normal carbon dioxide. Growth is measured by the color intensity of the algae and the production of oxygen gas. This site contains detailed instructions and sample results. Full description.

In this lesson, learners measure the lengths of various insect body parts from scanning electron micrographs using WebImage, a Web-based customized version of ImageJ. The lesson introduces students to setting scale in making the measurements and to units of measurement, as well as entomology. Full description.

This lesson plan is part of the DiscoverySchool.com lesson plan library for grades 6-8. It focuses on a current controversary among scientists over whether dinosaurs were warm-blooded or cold-blooded. Students research both sides of the argument and then present a debate over this topic. It includes objectives, materials, procedures, discussion questions, evaluation ideas, suggested readings, and ... Full description.

This experiment was designed for the El Paso region of Texas, but the concept applies to all areas. Water can be conserved by using indigenous plants that have adapted to the conditions of the locality and do not require excessive amounts. This lesson has students identify native species of desert vegetation, plan a xeriscape landscape, and recognize the importance of water conservation. It contains ... Full description.

This resource presents information about using living things like trees and coral reefs and everyday occurrences like snowfalls to look at what has happened in past climates in order to understand what is happening today, or what might happen in the future. Scientists who do this are called paleoclimatologists. Some of the things that can be learned from tree rings include insect outbreaks, glacial ... Full description.

In this lesson, students examine the rich array of marine wildlife that lives in waters surrounding the Indian subcontinent, explore the relationships among organisms in coral reefs, and learn about environmental dangers to coral reefs and research methods to protect them. Students will use the Internet to conduct research about scientific discoveries and environmental protection activities, discuss ... Full description.

This resource explains that all plants and animals that live in the Chesapeake Bay region have specific needs that must be met in order for them to live there, and also that an area has to have the right combination of food, light, temperature, water, nutrients, shelter and other necessities to be a good habitat. Students will discover that in the Chesapeake Bay region there are five major categories ... Full description.

This resource will help teachers deal with common misconceptions about evolution, those that are simple misunderstandings and others that may stem from purposeful attempts to interfere with the teaching of evolution. First, five common misunderstandings about evolution and how it works are examined. They include the origin of life, ladder of progress, randomness of evolution, trying to adapt, and ... Full description.