Category Archives: life science

Classification of Living Things

Posted on November 28, 2010 by openwidearchive

Scientist have tried to classify living organisms into groups since Aristotle’s time.  Over time this classification system has changed and evolved as we have learned more about organisms.  Advances in technology have fueled many of these changes.  Scientist are now … Continue reading →

Posted in book review, life science, science | Comments Off on Classification of Living Things

Learning About Plants

Posted on November 27, 2010 by openwidearchive

 All the books listed below are great resources teachers and readers can use in and out of the classroom to learn about the different parts of a plant. In these books, not only can you find important information, but ideas … Continue reading →

Posted in life science, teaching, thematic book list | Comments Off on Learning About Plants

Hibernation

Posted on November 27, 2010 by openwidearchive

Introduction The common meaning of the word hibernate is the state that an animal sleeps for the entire winter, to protect themselves and help themselves survive when the temperatures are cold and food is hard to find.  There are several … Continue reading →

Posted in life science, resource links, teaching | Comments Off on Hibernation

Migration

Posted on October 8, 2010 by openwidearchive

The Virginia science SOLs incorporate migration in the second, third and fourth grades. Students learn about the migration of birds, monarch butterflies, caribou, sea animals and various other creature. These animals travel by foot, swim, fly, or crawl to their … Continue reading →

Posted in life science | Comments Off on Migration

Pond and Marsh Ecosystems

Posted on October 6, 2010 by openwidearchive

This blog post is a combination of different resources regarding the VA Science SOL 3.6 and 4.5 on ecosystems, specifically ponds and wetlands (marshes). The lesson(s) regarding this material should cover the following: what is an ecosystem? what kind of … Continue reading →

Posted in life science, teaching, thematic book list | Comments Off on Pond and Marsh Ecosystems

Animal Life Cycles

Posted on October 5, 2010 by openwidearchive

Introduction This topic introduces second graders to the exciting changes that can occur in a butterfly and frog’s life cycles. Through numerous activities children are guided through the process known as Metamorphosis and given the opportunity to become engaged with … Continue reading →

Posted in life science, teaching, thematic book list | Comments Off on Animal Life Cycles

Food Chains and Food Webs

Posted on October 5, 2010 by openwidearchive

Students in the 3rd grade use the food chain model to understand the relationships of living things and their dependence on each other for survival (VA Science SOL 3.5).  While the food chain provides links to a basic flow of … Continue reading →

Posted in life science, teaching, thematic book list | Comments Off on Food Chains and Food Webs

The Rainforest

Posted on October 5, 2010 by openwidearchive

In third grade, students begin their investigation of the habitats of the world, which are divided into water-related environments and dry-land environments (VA Science SOL 3.6). One of the prominent habitats that is covered is the rainforest. The resources provided … Continue reading →

Posted in life science, teaching, thematic book list | Comments Off on The Rainforest

Hibernation

Posted on October 4, 2010 by openwidearchive

The following resources are helpful in teaching about hibernation. The SOL's specific to this topic are 1.7, 2.5, 2.7 and 3.4.  In first grade, students need to understand the concepts of migration, hibernation, and habitat, but they do not necessarily … Continue reading →

Posted in life science, teaching, thematic book list | Comments Off on Hibernation

Camouflage

Posted on October 4, 2010 by openwidearchive

This blog provides links to books, interactive kids’ websites, and teaching resources that would be useful in covering the topic of Camouflage in the classroom. The links provided would be appropriate to use with grades ranging from kindergarten to third … Continue reading →

Posted in life science, teaching, thematic book list | Comments Off on Camouflage