7th Grade Life Science at the Observatory: Life Throughout the Universe part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This classroom activity will show students that there is a lot we don't know about science, for example life throughout the universe. It will hopefully encourage students to question what we know and don't know, and exploration and study of the unknown.

Salmon Use of Geomorphically Restored Streams at Point Reyes National Seashore part of Pedagogy in Action:Partners:Spreadsheets Across the Curriculum:Geology of National Parks:Examples
Spreadsheets Across the Curriculum module/Geology of National Parks course. Students work with salmon-trace streambed data to study whether removal of a spawning run barrier was effective

Schoolyard BioBlitz: Monthly Observations of Plants, Insects, Weather, the Sun and Moon part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
In this field lab students will go outside and observe a particular area of the schoolyard. Students will design investigations to complete outside and will use outdoor observations to provide evidence for our indoor activities.

Interdependence of Life: How an ecosystem responds to change part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This field activity asks students to examine and interpret a given environmental site where a disturbance (fallen tree, beaver dam etc.) has taken place.

Bioinformatics part of Microbial Life:Teaching Methods:Teaching with Data:Examples
This exercise contains two interrelated modules that introduce students to modern biological techniques in the area of Bioinformatics, which is the application of computer technology to the management of biological information. The need for Bioinformatics has arisen from the recent explosion of publicly available genomic information, such as that resulting from the Human Genome Project.

Insect Investigations part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a field investigation or bio-blitz where students are collecting as many different types of insects as they can. Back in the lab, they will record their findings, sort and classify the insects found. This will lead into a class discussion on biodiversity and the importance of insects and their benefits all living things.

Virtual Inquiry Field Lesson part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
The use of new technological motion sensing cameras creates a motivation for students in this life science lesson.

String Scientific Notation/Metric System Demonstration part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Short demonstration on scientific notation by asking students to place numbers on a number line using string and notecards.

Investigating Biodiversity in your schoolyard part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
In this field lab students will investigate the biodiversity around their school. Students will perform a biodiversity count using transect line. The students will develop multiple hypotheses relating to biodiversity and propose additional procedures for studying, collecting and testing these questions.

Scientific Observations: A Schoolyard BioBlitz part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a classroom and field activity where students learn about and practice scientific observations in the classroom and then complete a field activity by making and recording scientific observations on school grounds.

Environmental interactions: Connectedness of a natural system part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This is a field investigation of how a natural system in organized and the interconnectedness of an ecosystem.

A Study of Spider Webs part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection

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.

Tree Leaf Identification and Leaf Display Activity part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a tree leaf collection, identification, and display of dried and pressed leaves. It teaches students about distinguishing leaf characteristics as well as a way to display and label their collection.

Exploring Plants Through Hands on Exploration part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a field investigation where students gather information before and after learning about plants, which will allow you to compare the knowledge the previously know and have acquired through your teaching.

Ecology/Geography Classification part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection

Investigating Microbes in a Nature Center part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This field and classroom activity involves identification of similarities, differences, advantages, and disadvantages in survival, method of locomotion, food acquisition, and reproduction in three fresh-water microbes.

"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.

Goldenrod Gall Investigation part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
In this life science field investigation students will study golden rod gall populations within a patch of goldenrods.

Investigative Case - Living in an Alkaline Environment part of Starting Point-Teaching Entry Level Geoscience:Investigative Case Based Learning:Examples
Living in an Alkaline Environment is a three-part interactive activity that explores the ecology and diversity of life in alkaline environments.