Phylogenetics problems part of Pedagogy in Action:Library:Coached Problem Solving:Examples
Sarah Deel, Carleton College; Debby Walser-Kuntz, Carleton College
Students receive information about cladistics and apply this phylogenetic approach to two problems, collecting data, determining whether traits are ancestral or derived, and using this information to select the most parsimonious tree.

Which Strategy is Best to Ensure the Conservation of Endangered Species? part of Pedagogy in Action:Library:Using Issues to Teach Science:Examples
Susan Musante, HHMI
Students learn about endangered species and actions humans have taken to address the issue of endangered species. The Xpeditions lesson has students think about their experiences with zoos, learn about the reasons ...

JiTT-Scientific Method part of Just in Time Teaching:Examples
Jeff Bell, California State University-Chico
A "Just in Time Teaching" question about he scientific method with follow-up class room activities and an exam question.

Resources for using PhET simulations in class – PhET Activities Database part of Pedagogy in Action:Library:PhET Interactive Science Simulations:Examples
Sam McKagan, American Association of Physics Teachers
The PhET Activities Database is a collection of resources for using PhET sims. It includes hundreds of lesson plans, homework assignments, labs, clicker questions, and more. Some activities have been created by the PhET team and some have been created by teachers.

Extinction: Is it inevitable? part of Pedagogy in Action:Library:Using Issues to Teach Science:Examples
Susan Musante, HHMI
Students read an article titled "The Sixth Extinction" by Niles Eldredge on past mass extinctions and the current rate of loss of species. The instructor can choose from a suite of activities which include having students respond to discussion and extension questions about the article, write an essay on the article defending Eldredge's view, create an extinction chart, and debate the actions of stakeholders faced with an endangered species vs. human water needs scenario. Students will need to research additional references to complete the activities and be prepared to defend their positions.

Habitat Loss Game part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Thane Lewis - Minneota High School Minneota MN
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 Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Todd Koenig Zimmerman High School 25900 4th Street West Zimmerman, MN 55398 Based on an original activity from Mike Link and the Audubon Center of the North Woods
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.

Investigating Ecosystems: Determining Feeding Relationships among Organisms part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Anna Potvin, Pine City Secondary, Pine City, MN
This activity is a field investigation in which students identify organisms and their energy sources. Students collect data and create a food web that explains how the organisms in their ecosystem are related.

The Microenvironment Project: Featuring Phenology part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Sandy Bussian
A year long field study of a deciduous tree and its interdependence through phenology.

Eagles in the Ecosystem Classroom Jigsaw Activity part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Jessie Bahe, Delano High School, Delano, MN, based on an original activity titled "Bald Eagle Population Graphing" from The Raptor Center, University of Minnesota http://www.cvm.umn.edu/raptor/prod/groups/cvm/@pub/@cvm/documents/asset/cvm_66866.pdf
In this jigsaw, students will graph various Bald Eagle population numbers and determine the impact humans have had on the eagle. Specifically, they will investigate why the Bald Eagle was listed as endangered, the affects of DDT on eagles, and the affects of lead.