Lesson Plans

Lesson Plan

Students explore the origins of muscles, nerves, and animal adaptions through of study of the fascinating phylum Cnidaria.

Lesson Plan

This lesson requires students to do a report on distinct scientific fields using Shape of Life videos, Internet resources and a handout about “Cool Science Careers."

Lesson Plan

A list of questions with an emphasis on adaptations to use after viewing the video Annelids: Powerful and Capable Worms  

Lesson Plan

In this lesson students discuss the definition of an animal. What characteristics do all animals have in common? To introduce the subject the teacher gives a brief discussion of the five kingdoms (see reference below). What evidence is needed to decide that an organism is an animal? Students watch the video Sponges: Origins and reconsider the definition of an animal.

Lesson Plan

In this activity students explore how animals are classified. For centuries taxonomists have been classifying the diversity of animal life based on observations and measurements of animals’ body plans. And now, with DNA sequencing, scientists have for the most part confirmed the work of earlier taxonomists. Students will learn the characteristics that define five of the major invertebrate phyla by watching videos, reading and sorting animal cards. The phyla are: Cnidarians, Annelids, Arthropods, Molluscs, and Echinoderms.

Lesson Plan

There are three separate lessons based on Questions.A list of questions about the characteristics of cnidarians to use after viewing the video Cnidarians:Life on the Move.A Shape of Life: Cnidarians worksheet. Students make sketches and write short answers to questions about the amazing world of cnidarians. This was created by Rachel Miller from Science from Scratch.A Powerpoint with questions to use while watching the video Cnidarians: Life on the Move.

Lesson Plan

Using this tool, students will practice and deepen their understanding of coral reef basics, what is contributing to their loss, and what is being done to preserve this resource

Lesson Plan

Through cutting-edge scientific research, students are introduced to climate change’s effects on the intertidal (ocean acidification and temperature increase) and what is known about how ocean organisms are impacted.

Lesson Plan

Students explore the evolution of the phylum Chordata by constructing a "family tree" - a diagram of evolutionary traits and animals.

Lesson Plan

In this lesson students learn about the effects of different diets and foods on our Climate Crisis and how to make positive changes