Phenology: Spring Leaf Index
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 45-60 MIN Prep: 15 | Activity: 30-45 Life Science 9-12 High School Overview The study of related events, particularly between plants and animals that occur on a predictable or periodic cycle, is called phenology. Phenology studies are crucial to determining disruptions in environmental relationships as climate patterns shift, and phenology […]
Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide and the Greening of the Planet
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 45-60 MIN Prep: 15 | Activity: 30-45 Earth and Space Science 9-12 High School Overview Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels have been changing globally since about 1785. Ice core samples indicate that prior to the late 1700s, CO2Â levels were around 280 parts per million (ppm). In 1885, CO2Â levels peaked […]
Invasion! Invasive Species Activity
Introduced species (also known as alien, nonnative, nonindigenous, or exotic species) are organisms that have been either accidentally or intentionally brought into an ecosystem in which they were not formerly found. The introduction of an organism may be beneficial, have no effect, or have a negative impact on the ecosystem into which it is released. […]
Urban Stream Syndrome
Purpose, goal, and standards This activity examines urban stream syndrome and how urbanization affects stream banks. Urban streams often have issues with both physical structure and chemical composition. While this activity focuses on the physical changes, the chemical changes can be more important to the overall health of the stream. Even if a stream exhibits […]
Real Data for Explaining Climate Change and Modeling Inheritance Patterns
Workshop Resource Life Science 6-12 Middle / High School  Data analysis provides evidence for posing scientific arguments and generating models. Tree ring and WFP data are collected then used to make arguments about climate change and inheritance patterns during this workshop. Analysis of tree ring data as indirect evidence about how the climate of a […]
Hands-On Activities to Model Sampling, Habitat Degradation, and Animal Choice
Workshop Resource Life Science 6-12 Middle / High School Nurture students’ curiosity! Investigate methods used by scientists to estimate population sizes. Then create a terrestrial model to observe how pill bugs respond to habitat degradation. Use inquiry to develop experiments to observe the habitat preference of bess beetles and millipedes. Let the excitement in your […]
Hands-On Science with Phenomenal Critters
Workshop Resource Life Science K-12 Elementary / High School Add action and excitement to your science class with live organisms! Discover fun, simple hands-on activities with a variety of insects and arthropods that you can use in your labs. Learn about care and handling, as well as easy ways to introduce inquiry. Additional resources available […]
Introduction to Wisconsin Fast Plants®
Workshop Resource Life Science K-12 Elementary / High School Experience the versatility of Wisconsin Fast Plants®. These quick-growing plants engage students and are ideal for all grade levels. Easily integrate Disciplinary Core Ideas, Crosscutting Concepts, and Practices in life cycle, heredity & inheritance, variation & evolution, and environmental science lessons. Learn to plant, pollinate, and […]
Plants
Plants have changed our planet. Photosynthesis provides oxygen to the atmosphere, and plants are primary producers for the majority of animals. There is extreme diversity within the plant kingdom, from tiny aquatic plants to giant redwoods to the vegetables and grains that feed the world. This guide breaks down the important information students need to […]
Case Study: The Impact of Honeybee Populations
When preparing to teach your class about populations and the interdependence of organisms, consider incorporating the honeybee into your lesson plans. This small, undervalued insect is a keystone species in many environments. But we often overlook our dependence on honeybees’ survival, even while their interesting community behavior and the important ecosystem services they provide are […]