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Natural Heritage of Indiana

Lesson Plans for Life on Land in Indiana

Teach students about terrestrial animals and plants that live in Indiana's landscape.

Bird Beaks - This is a two session activity designed to provide students with a hands-on activity to help 6th graders explore animal adaptations, namely the shape of a bird's beak in relation to their food source.
Indiana State Standards covered »
University of Montana Educators through The Educator's Reference Desk

Defining Ecology - Through five 30-45 minute lessons, 3rd-6th grade students will work in cooperative groups to define, study, and incorporate vocabulary terms into writings about ecology.  
Indiana State Standards covered »
Richard Oakes Peters, Ed.D. through the University of Wisconsin Extension ide@s

A Walk in the Woods - A Walk in the Woods is even more than a lesson plan. This interactive site lets 5th graders explore and appreciate nature even if they can't go outside.
University of Illinois Extension

Story Sampler Our Natural World - For younger kids (K-3rd), this Story Sampler includes hands-on, cross-curricular activities for five books that are linked by the common theme of the natural world.  
Indiana State Standards covered »
Reading is Fundamental through University of Wisconsin-Extension ide@s resource

Water Lily

Education Resources by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Education Center (NREC) NREC

 

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources' Education Center provides professional training and support for educators and volunteers to promote responsible stewardship of our natural resources. Attend workshops, browse curriculum guides, borrow hands-on classroom material, and more! The NREC programs include:

* Hoosier Riverwatch (Volunteer Stream Monitoring)
* Project Learning Tree (Forestry Education)
* Project WET (Water Education for Teachers)
* Project Wild (Wildlife Education)

NREC programs offer:
* Statewide Workshops for Adults (6-8 hours in length)
* Certification Renewal Units & College Credit
* Loaner Items for NREC Program Participants
* Advanced Topic Workshops

Learn More»

Schedule a Free Outdoor Education Program for your class! DSE
The Discovering the Science of the Environment program is an experiential, inquiry-based, outdoor laboratory focused science education program for 4th-9th grade classes in central Indiana. Based in water resource and ecological restoration research and education programs at CEES this program effectively bridges applied environmental research and technology to school education and outreach. Utilizing a mobile resource trailer equipped with interactive technology tools, web interface, and GIS mapping capabilities, the DSE program travels to your school to provide FREE educational programming at school ground natural areas. All programs are aligned to Indiana State Standards in science and mathematics and Excellence in Environmental Education - Guidelines for Learning (Pre K - 12) and resources, scientific equipment and measurement probes are provided by DSE. Fifteen comprehensive Outdoor Education classes are currently offered. Download an application»
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  Major funding for the project was provided by:
NHI Funders

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