This Java-based NetLogo model allows students to investigate the chemical and energy inputs and outputs of photosynthesis through an interactive simulation. The simulation is a visual, conceptual model of photosynthesis and does not generate quantitative data. The central concept in the model is the role of chlorophyll in capturing light energy, and this concept is presented without delving into the biochemical details of the photosynthetic reactions. This allows students to focus on the core idea that photosynthesis transforms light energy into chemical energy. Along with exploring the basic process of photosynthesis, students can investigate the effects of light intensity, the day-night cycle (assuming the most common C3 photosynthetic pathway), CO2 concentration, and water availability on the rate of sugar production during photosynthesis. The model highlights the cycling within the chloroplasts between excited and unexcited states as energy is captured and released by chlorophyll. The lesson is written as an introductory learning experience, beginning with the question: What is needed for photosynthesis in a leaf, and what is produced? This resource is best suited as one in a series of learning experiences that either reinforce or extend the concepts addressed here. The model is embedded within an electronic form that provides instructions and guiding questions. Teachers and students should note that the electronic form does not save user data. An important limitation is that the model relies heavily on students’ visual perception, and this may pose a barrier for some students.

Through scientific research, this video from The Human Spark illustrates how a child’s views of what is right and wrong can be shaped by others.

This article highlights lessons that help K-grade 5 students understand that animals and plants can only survive in certain environments.The lessons support the theme of an issue of the free online magazine Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle. The theme is "We Depend on Earth's Climate."

Concepts underlying the first of the Essential Principles of the Climate Sciences are aligned with topics typically taught in the elementary grades. This article identifies lessons that will help elementary students develop an understanding of how Sun's light warms Earth and how variations in daylight hours are associated with seasonal change. This article appears in the free, online magazine Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle.

Looking at lichen through a hand lens can be like looking at life-forms from an alien planet. In this activity, students focus closely on lichen and get turned on to its different strange and interesting forms. One reason for spending time learning about lichens is that they can be found just about anywhere, so students can keep investigating lichen after they leave your program. Students observe and explore this “weird organism” that grows on rocks and trees and wonder what it is. They learn that it’s a lichen, use a key to identify three types of lichen, reflect on the symbiotic relationship of fungi and algae that make up lichens, and finally search for evidence of lichen succession. After this activity, students will likely begin to notice lichens everywhere, and will be motivated to continue their explorations.

CK-12 Life Science Honors For Middle School covers seven units: Understanding Living Things; Cells: The Building Blocks of Life; Genetics and Evolution; Prokaryotes, Protists, Fungi, and Plants; The Animal Kingdom; The Human Body; and Ecology.

This informational text explores Laura Gladstone's experience working at the IceCube telescope at the South Pole. She shares the clothing worn, food, what she did for fun, and how life there differs from what most of us know, including what one does NOT hear or see. The text is written at a grade two through grade three reading level. This version is a full-color PDF that can be printed, cut and folded to form a book. Each book contains color photographs and illustrations.

This informational text explores Laura Gladstone's experience working at the IceCube telescope at the South Pole. She shares the clothing worn, food, what she did for fun, and how life there differs from what most of us know, including what one does NOT hear or see. The text is written at a grade two through grade three reading level. This is a PDF containing the informational text and a glossary.

This informational text explores Laura Gladstone's experience working at the IceCube telescope at the South Pole. She shares the clothing worn, food, what she did for fun, and how life there differs from what most of us know, including what one does NOT hear or see. The text is written at a grade four through grade five reading level. This is a PDF containing the informational text and a glossary.

This informational text explores Laura Gladstone's experience working at the Ice Cube telescope at the South Pole. She shares the clothing worn, food, what she did for fun, and how life there differs from what most of us know, including what one does NOT hear or see. The text is written at a kindergarten through grade one reading level. This version is a full-color PDF that can be printed, cut and folded to form a book. Each book contains color photographs and illustrations.

This video segment from a WPSU documentary Liquid Assets connects public health to the availability of clean and safe drinking water and elaborates on the threats our bodies face due to increasing kinds and quantities of pollutants.

This Nature video shows the migratory patterns and habits of the Rufous hummingbird.

What is it that distinguishes a living organism from a nonliving object? This collection of images presents examples that aren't as clear-cut as one might think, enticing students to question the meaning of life.

In this video segment adapted from the Alaska Native Heritage Center, discover the connections between Alaska Native subsistence culture and the natural cycle of the seasons.

This video, adapted from material provided by the ECHO partners, illuminates how living on the coast affects individuals and communities, particularly humans' interrelationships with natural resources.

This resource is a Nearpod lesson about the Manzano Mountains HawkWatch site located on Capilla Peak in New Mexico. It was created as part of the Reimagine Teaching program by HawkWatch International. HawkWatch International is a non-profit organization in Salt Lake City, Utah that works to protect raptors and our shared environment through scientific research and public education.

This video segment from NOVA: "The Mystery of Animal Pathfinders" explores how the migratory patterns of shorebirds have evolved to coincide with the spawning of horseshoe crabs.

This resource is a Nearpod lesson about gathering and analyzing data to explore the migratory paths of raptors. It was created as part of the Reimagine Teaching program by HawkWatch International. HawkWatch International is a non-profit organization in Salt Lake City, Utah that works to protect raptors and our shared environment through scientific research and public education.

Per Utah Code 53G-10-402 parental consent is required prior to instruction in this content.This lesson explains the changes that boys in Upper Elementary and Middle School can expect as they enter puberty and suggestions on how to respond to these changes. It also explains the purpose and process of intercourse in regards to reproduction. The materials included are designed for boys taught either by a certified medical professional or in the home by parents/guardians. This lesson contains:Images from Advocates for YouthA video from the Puberty Workshop on eMediaCover Image 

This resource is a Nearpod lesson about:
Matter Cycling -- Understanding Biomagnification in the Ecosystem
It was created as part of the Reimagine Teaching program by HawkWatch International. HawkWatch International is a non-profit organization in Salt Lake City, Utah that works to protect raptors and our shared environment through scientific research and public education.