Using Plant Surveys to Study Biodiversity part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a field investigation in which students conduct a plant survey of two study plots, analyze their findings through graphing and mathematic models, investigate the impact of human activity in the general area (optional) and generate questions for further investigation of the study plots.

Using Simpson's Reciprocal Index to Identify and Compare Habitat Biodiversity part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a field investigation where students will compare the biodiversity of two separate habitats based on the collection and identification of insects.

Stream Study: An Investigation of an Aquatic Ecosystem part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a field study where students gather data on a stream based upon their protocol. They will correlate their data with another group and present their results to the class. They will develop and defend in class a new experimental question for a spring study.

2-Day Investigating Soil Samples: observing and identifying soils part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is designed for a primary classroom (outdoors & indoors) investigation where students collect and investigate soil samples and describe the soils, looking for similarities and differences. Students develop a method of recording the data colleted and can present the information gathered.

Comparing Soil Samples from different locations part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
In this field investigation, students compare various soil samples taken from specific locations. Students compare samples, record data, create a chart or graph, and journal.

Habitat Loss Game part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This role playing game allows students to explore the issue of habitat loss and its effects on animal populations.

Investigating Biodiversity in your schoolyard part of 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.

Water Quality part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This is a field investigation in which students test water quality in 2-3 areas using their own testable question.

Macroinvertebrates and Indicators of Water Quality part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a field investigation where students can go to a body of water and collect the macroinvertebrates there and identify them. Based on what they find, they can assess the water quality by determining the biotic index.

Observational Skills: Observing and creating sketches of an outdoor environment part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
In this series of activities, students observe and sketch the environment outside their school using their senses. Students create a classroom book using one of their sketches.