Science — Kindergarten

African animals in habitats

This is an inquiry-based animal study for early childhood students centered around a visit to the African Continent of the North Carolina Zoo.

Format: lesson plan (grade K Science)

By Sue McCullah.

Animals movin' on up

Children will explore animal body parts in animal pictures using the inquiry method. They will discuss their functions in movement and eating. They will also discuss the idea that classifications of animals have similar body parts.

Format: lesson plan (grade K Science)

By Anne Allen.

Animals undercover

Students will learn about the different animal coverings using the inquiry method. They will learn about how the covering is used for protection and to control body temperatures.

Format: lesson plan (grade K English Language Arts and Science)

By Anne Ellis.

Bats

The students will learn that bats are nocturnal and use echolocation.

Format: lesson plan (grade K English Language Arts and Science)

By Debbie Lanier.

Birds by inquiry

Students will make observations of bird pictures to note the similarities and differences in one animal group. They will note especially the beaks, feet, wings and feathers of different types of birds. The life cycle of birds will be explored.

Format: lesson plan (grade K English Language Arts and Science)

By Anne Allen.

Feathers, fin, fur, scales, and skin

Using observation, students will identify animal groups by their appearance. The students will move through animal centers looking for similarities and differences of birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Format: lesson plan (grade 1 Science)

By Marti Terry-Purdy.

A home for Lars

Our lesson plan is based on the book, Ahoy There, Little Polar Bear, by Hans de Beer. We will use the book to introduce the polar bear's habitat and will elaborate on the necessary things a polar bear needs to survive in this habitat.

Format: lesson plan (grade K–1 Information Skills, Visual Arts Education, and Science)

Is it a duck? Is it a chick?

Students will compare and contrast the characteristics of a chick and a duckling by using a Venn Diagram.

Format: lesson plan (grade K Science, English Language Arts, and Mathematics)

By Debbie Beeson.

Life cycle of painted lady butterflies

Students will make a chart of the life cycle of the painted lady butterflies that the class observes over a period of several days.

Format: lesson plan (grade K English Language Arts, Mathematics, Computer Technology Skills, and Science)

By Anne Allen.

Penguin paradise

Students will demonstrate their understanding of how to communicate statements of information through the composition of a one paragraph summary about a penguin.

Format: lesson plan (grade 1 English Language Arts and Science)

By Jovonne Shivers.

Plants and animals—introduction to the unknown

This is an introductory lesson to assist students in understanding where their food comes from and what is available in this area. It is also a wonderful way to continue with inventive spelling.

Format: lesson plan (grade K English Language Arts and Science)

By Sheila Moody.

Lesson plans on the web

Animal diversity

This lesson exposes children to a wide range of animals and guides them through observation of animal similarities, differences, and environmental adaptations. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Science)

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science

The Antarctic food chain

In this Xpeditions lesson, students are introduced to the animals of Antarctica and to the Antarctic food chain. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–1 Science)

Provider: National Geographic

Bipedalism--Did Hominids Ride Bikes?

Students are introduced to the complexities of paleoanthropology. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Social Studies and Science)

Provider: National Geographic

Butterfly 1: Observing the life cycle of a butterfly

Students observe one organism over time and compare its early development to its later development. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Information Skills and Science)

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Butterfly 2: A butterfly's home

Students should explore how various organisms satisfy their needs in the environments in which they are typically found. Students will design their own butterfly gardens to demonstrate which environmental characteristics make up a favorable butterfly habitat. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Science and )

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Crane cam!

Students learn about cranes and their migratory patterns, including the ways in which they use the land area in and around a sanctuary. Students discuss the importance of preserving habitats like these for a variety of animals. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Science)

Provider: National Geographic

Dinosaur bodies

This lesson, from Xpeditions, asks students to think about the ways in which living animals use their bodies and the ways in which dinosaurs might have used their bodies, based on fossil evidence and our best educated guesses. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K Science)

Provider: National Geographic

Elementary ecosystems

Students are introduced to the basics of species interdependency within an ecosystem. They perform a simple simulation to see how one species can affect many others. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–1 Science)

Provider: National Geographic

Fish Aren't Afraid of the Dark!

Students are introduced to the concept of bioluminescence and consider how animals benefit from having their own light sources. They look at pictures of bioluminescent marine animals and make collages or write stories. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Science)

Provider: National Geographic