931 biology-life-science results | sort by:
Genetics and Heredity - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
K to 12In the Classroom
Watch a short video, such as "What Are Traits?", and have students list visible traits they observe in their classmates, such as dimples and eye color. Ask students to record their data and share the results using a simple graph creator tool such as Data GIF Maker, reviewed here. Include interactive media, such as the "Heredity Interactive Lesson," in your activities, where students match traits to their parents and offspring. Students can use dice rolls to determine the traits of a fictional insect (antennae type, wing shape, etc.). Have students interview family members about physical traits (ex., hair type, eye color) and build a visual "trait tree."You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Project Based Learning Project ideas - Van Andel Institute for Education
Grades
K to 12tag(s): Project Based Learning (24)
In the Classroom
Students can use Google Drawings reviewed here to create a cause and effect diagram while researching for the "Save the Turtles" PBL card. Students can use Acast reviewed here to make a public service announcement of the importance of composting while using the PBL card titled "Why Does My Teacher Have Worms?"Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Teaching Activities about Heredity and Gene Editing - Science Journal for Kids and Teens
Grades
6 to 12In the Classroom
Give the class a GMO seed experiment and have students examine and compare different seeds to determine which are genetically modified. Students can research and debate the pros and cons of genetically modified organisms. Students can model the process of bacterial transformation to understand how genes are transferred. Students can build models of the DNA double helix using various materials. They can also create 3D models digitally using Tinkercad, reviewed here or CoSpaces reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Arctic and Antarctic - U.S. National Science Foundation
Grades
1 to 12tag(s): antarctica (30), webcams (19)
In the Classroom
Students can use Google My Maps reviewed here to virtually visit the Arctic and Antarctica. Students can compare and contrast both the Arctic and Antarctic using Google Drawings reviewed here. Finally, students can post their noticings and questions in Padlet reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
18 Fun Cell Activities For Middle School - Organized Homeschooler
Grades
5 to 9This site includes advertising.
tag(s): cells (84), organelles (3)
In the Classroom
After studying both types of cells, students can work in pairs to complete a Venn diagram comparing organelles, functions, and structures. Use an online Venn diagram tool such as Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here. Students can build a 3D plant or animal cell model using clay, Play-Doh, papier-mache, or Shrinky Dinks. Models should be labeled and include all major organelles. Students can research specific organelles and create "trading cards" with organelle names, functions, and a fun fact or analogy. Have students create edible models of plant or animal cells using cookies, cakes, or Jello and candy pieces to represent organelles (ex., gummy bears for mitochondria, licorice for endoplasmic reticulum).Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Free Cell Biology Lesson Plans & Resources - AFT's Share My Lesson
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): body systems (40), cells (84), human body (92)
In the Classroom
Students can complete the lesson activities featured on the site. As students are completing the lesson titled "The Human Digestive System - 7 Engaging Lab Station Activities," they can use Seesaw reviewed here as a journal. In addition, students can use Google Drawings reviewed here to compare and contrast an animal and plant cell or the digestive system to another body system.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Emma the Teachie's Cell Cycle - Emma the Teachie
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): cells (84)
In the Classroom
Students can do the activities that are included in Emma the Techie's Cell Cycle. When creating their cell projects, students can use Podcast Generatorreviewed here. Students can use Duck Soup reviewed here to write their Doodle Notes.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Cells for Kids - Learn Bright
Grades
5 to 8tag(s): cells (84), human body (92)
In the Classroom
Create a hands-on or digital matching activity (using Flippity reviewed here) where students pair organelle names with their functions and images. Assign students to create 3D models of plant or animal cells using craft supplies or digital tools like Tinkercad reviewed here. Have students complete a Venn diagram or T-chart comparing plant and animal cells using Canva Infographic Creator reviewed here, noting shared and unique organelles.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
The Future of Nature Collection - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): biodiversity (36), conservation (104), ecology (107), environment (249), sustainability (54)
In the Classroom
Assign small groups to research a specific ecosystem, such as grasslands or oceans, and create an infographic using Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here highlighting biodiversity, human impact, and conservation efforts. Challenge students to design a "Conservation Action Plan" based on the videos they watch. They can research a real-world problem, propose solutions, and present their ideas in a short video PSA using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here or Powtoon, reviewed here. Organize a class debate on a key environmental issue featured in the series (ex., "Should governments invest more in conservation over industry?").Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Wow in the World - Tinkercast
Grades
K to 12tag(s): crafts (90), dinosaurs (48), fossils (42), habitats (100), podcasts (137), robotics (29)
In the Classroom
Students can use Google My Maps reviewed here to explore the locations that are discussed during the podcast. Students can use Padlet reviewed here to post questions and comments. Students can utilize the activities and resources provided in the podcast.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Radiolab for Kids Presents: Terrestrials Podcast - WNYC Studios
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): listening (97), podcasts (137), stories and storytelling (65)
In the Classroom
While listening, have students create a visual concept map using MindMup, reviewed here or paper to connect key ideas from the episode. Doing this helps with comprehension and identifying relationships between concepts. Have students choose a topic from the episode to research further and create a presentation, infographic, or short report using Visme, reviewed here or Canva Edu, reviewed here to share with the class. Have students work in groups to research an interesting question, write a script, and record a mini-podcast episode using narration, interviews, and sound effects. Spotify for Podcasters, reviewed here or Buzzsprout, reviewed here can be used to record the podcast.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Tumble Science Podcast for Kids - Tumble Media
Grades
3 to 8tag(s): animals (291), dinosaurs (48), listening (97), natural disasters (19), plants (148), podcasts (137), space (231), stars (77), vision (42)
In the Classroom
Before listening, show students the episode title and have them predict what they think the episode will be about. Afterward, discuss how their predictions compared to what they learned. Choose an episode related to a scientific concept that students can test. For example, if an episode focuses on forces, conduct a simple physics experiment in class and have students record their observations. Students can work in small groups to research a science topic, script an episode, and record their classroom science podcast using Adobe Podcast, reviewed here or Acast, reviewed here inspired by "Tumble". They can include fun facts, expert interviews, and sound effects!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Nature Guys Podcast - Bob Staggenborg
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): animals (291), conservation (104), listening (97), podcasts (137)
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.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Classical Genetics Simulator - Ben Adamczyk
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): genetics (86), simulations (38)
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
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Penguin Protection - Smithsonian Science Education
Grades
K to 3tag(s): animals (291), simulations (38)
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
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Game Center - Smithsonian Science Education
Grades
K to 8tag(s): engineering (140), habitats (100), nutrition (138), plants (148), simulations (38), STEM (331)
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
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Build-a-Fish - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
3 to 8tag(s): adaptations (15), evolution (84), habitats (100), marine biology (33), reefs (8), simulations (38)
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
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Whale Protection Corps - Smithsonian Science Education
Grades
2 to 5tag(s): ecosystems (93), habitats (100), oceans (144), simulations (38), 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
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Coral Reef Simulation - National Geographic
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): ecosystems (93), marine biology (33), reefs (8), simulations (38)
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
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Horticulture and Landscaping Jobs - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): careers (197), ecology (107), plants (148), STEM (331)
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
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).

Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Close comment form