Introduction to Dichotomous Keys part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a lab where students learn to classify objects that are similar into groups and technically describe their classifications. Introduction to dichotomous keys.

Using and Creating a Dichotomous Key part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity allows students to investigate classification and create their own dichotomous key. Discussion will include classification of items in everyday life.

A Student Produced Field Guide to Neighborhood Trees part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
During this project, students will be working to cooperatively create a field guide to trees in the neighborhood near the school. In doing so they will be making observations, introduced to tree and plant anatomy and physiology, and will learn how to make and use dichotomous keys.

Lichen Hunt--Identifying and Classifying Lichens by their Physical Characteristics part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a guided inquiry where students will find their own lichen and classify it into one of three categories. They will collect, analyze, and present their finding to the class.

Plant Science Inquiry: From Seed to Flower part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a first grade life science activity where the students practice inquiry skills by developing questions about seeds, planting them and noting details about how they change as they grow.

"Mystery and the Unknown": Teaching Inquiry Through Aquatic Exploration part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a longer project that involves using inquiry to find out what kinds of aquatic animals live in our school pond. Students use direct observation, journaling, outdoor classroom techniques, research skills, collaboration, and service learning to learn about their question.

Water Retention - No Problem With The Key (Vertebrates&Invertebrates) Investigation part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This lesson helps grade 3 students understand the difference between Vertebrates and Invertebrates.

Investigating Plant Life in Our Nature Center part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a field investigation where students use a dichotomous key to properly identify trees in our schools nature center.

Signs and Tracks of Animals part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Students will examine clues about animals such as nests, leaves, feathers, fur, tracks that allow some conclusions about the identity, physical characteristics or behavior of the animals. Students will study the characteristics of animal tracks.

Creation of Dichotomous Keys From a BioBlitz part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a field investigation of the biodiversity in a given area. The exercise will give students experience making scientific observations and creating a dichotomous key.

Bird Characteristics part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is an introduction to the study of birds. Students will gain observation and classification skills.

Birds' Bills part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Students compare and contrast birds' bills and compare them to household items.

What is a Bird? part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a mini-lab for primary students to identify the unique characteristics of birds.