SC.3.L.17.1

One way to learn about tree growth is to look at annual rings. Tree rings show patterns of change in the tree's life as well as changes in the area where it grows. In this activity, students will trace environmental and historical changes using a cross section of a tree, or "tree cookie."

Type: Lesson Plan

In this model eliciting activity students use data about the temperature and water requirements of plants to figure out when the plants should be planted. They also use data such as space requirements and time until harvest to make judgments about which plants would best suit the needs of students planning a school garden in Florida.

Model Eliciting Activities, MEAs, are open-ended, interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that are meant to reveal students’ thinking about the concepts embedded in realistic situations. MEAs resemble engineering problems and encourage students to create solutions in the form of mathematical and scientific models. Students work in teams to apply their knowledge of science and mathematics to solve an open-ended problem, while considering constraints and tradeoffs. Students integrate their ELA skills into MEAs as they are asked to clearly document their thought process. MEAs follow a problem-based, student centered approach to learning, where students are encouraged to grapple with the problem while the teacher acts as a facilitator. To learn more about MEA’s visit: https://www.cpalms.org/cpalms/mea.aspx

Type: Lesson Plan

Have you ever wondered why animals hibernate or why they migrate? Have you also ever wondered which animals do? In this lesson, students will learn which common animals hibernate and which ones migrate. They will also learn the importance of hibernation and migration on animals during the winter season. Students will be able to write down their learning, sort picture cards, and complete a Compare and Contrast Chart demonstrating their understanding of hibernation and migration.

Type: Lesson Plan

In this long-term lesson, students will put observation spots in a designated area at the school to observe how it changes throughout the school year.

Type: Lesson Plan

In this Model-Eliciting Activity (MEA), students are provided with information about different vegetables. The students are given the task to rank their selections of which one vegetable the Principal should plant in the school garden that will survive through all of the seasonal changes.

Model Eliciting Activities, MEAs, are open-ended, interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that are meant to reveal students’ thinking about the concepts embedded in realistic situations. MEAs resemble engineering problems and encourage students to create solutions in the form of mathematical and scientific models. Students work in teams to apply their knowledge of science and mathematics to solve an open-ended problem while considering constraints and tradeoffs. Students integrate their ELA skills into MEAs as they are asked to clearly document their thought processes. MEAs follow a problem-based, student-centered approach to learning, where students are encouraged to grapple with the problem while the teacher acts as a facilitator. To learn more about MEAs visit: https://www.cpalms.org/cpalms/mea.aspx

Type: Lesson Plan

Come explore the various ways plants respond to seasonal changes in this interactive tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Dormancy, migration, molting. Come explore how animals respond to the changing seasons in this interactive tutorial!

Type: Original Student Tutorial

In this activity, students trace the migration route of the gray whale and discover some of the gray whale's history.

Type: Teaching Idea

The website gives great information on the different biomes and ecosystems of the world.

Type: WebQuest