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The Salmon Life Cycle: a classroom guide

Salmon have one of the most incredible life cycles among fish. Unlike most fish, salmon live in two very different habitats—freshwater and saltwater. They begin their lives in cool, clear mountain streams, but migrate to the ocean where they spend much of…

7 Strange Animals That Are Actually Fish

Fish come in all shapes, sizes, and surprising forms—and some of them don’t look “fish-like” at all. Whether you’re exploring ocean habitats or animal adaptations, these wonderfully weird species deviate from the typical body form and appearance of other fish. Here are…

Jawless, Cartilaginous, and Bony Fish: A Classroom Guide

Fish are one of the most diverse groups of vertebrates on Earth, but not all fish are built the same way. In fact, every species—whether it’s a tiny goby or a massive whale shark—belongs to one of three major groups: jawless fish,…

5 Engaging Water Cycle Activities for Students

Are you teaching the water cycle in your classroom or homeschool? The water cycle is a complex process with many stages that all work together to provide the freshwater crucial to our survival. Hands-on water cycle activities are useful to demonstrate the…

Understanding Metamorphosis in Animals

From tadpoles turning into frogs to caterpillars transforming into butterflies, metamorphosis is one of nature’s most incredible processes. Understanding metamorphosis helps students see how organisms grow, adapt, and survive in their environments. Whether you’re exploring amphibians, insects, or life cycles in general,…

Understanding Amphibians: 5 Key Traits

Amphibians are some of the most fascinating creatures on Earth, bridging the gap between water and land with unique adaptations. Understanding amphibian traits can help students grasp key biological concepts like life cycles, metamorphosis, and environmental adaptations. Whether you’re teaching about frogs,…

Stargazing Guide: Plan a Night Sky Field Trip for Kids

There’s nothing quite like stepping outside on a clear night and gazing up at the stars. A night sky field trip is a fantastic way to bring hands-on science and astronomy into your homeschool or learning group—no expensive equipment is required! With…

6 Exciting Earth & Environmental Science Topics to Teach this School Year!

Looking for fresh ways to teach science? This post is packed with inspiration and resources to help you explore animal metamorphosis, climate change, rock identification, soil science, plate tectonics, and flower anatomy with your students. I’ve included links to my other posts…

Types of Amphibians: Frogs, Salamanders, and More!

Amphibians are a diverse group of vertebrate animals. They come in many shapes and sizes—from long-tailed salamanders to tailless frogs and even legless caecilians! Some are huge, like giant salamanders that grow to nearly six feet (two meters) long, while others are…

Metamorphic Rocks: properties, formation, and subtypes!

Learning about rocks and the rock cycle in your classroom this year? You may already know that there are three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. In this post, we will take a closer look at metamorphic rocks. Get ready…

7 Easy-to-Find Constellations for Beginner Stargazers

Stargazing is a magical way to connect with the cosmos, and learning to recognize constellations is a great place to start! Some star patterns are trickier to find, but others are bright, distinct, and easy to spot—even for beginners. In this guide,…

What are the Zodiac constellations and what makes them special?

The night sky is full of fascinating stories, and the Zodiac constellations are some of the most famous star patterns to explore! These 12 constellations have been used for ages to track the seasons, navigate the skies, and inspire myths from cultures…

Sedimentary Rocks: properties, formation, and subtypes!

Are you ready to learn all about rocks and the rock cycle in your classroom this year? If so, it’s important to know all about the three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. In this post, we will take a…

Igneous Rocks: properties, formation, and subtypes!

Are you studying rocks and the rock cycle in your classroom this year? If you’re ready to take a deep dive into all things rocks, it’s important to know all about the three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. In…

Fun Moon Phases Activity with Cookies

If you are teaching the phases of the moon, this popular snack activity with cookies is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! This yummy and fun activity is sure to make your lunar phases lesson a memorable one. In this post, you’ll find…

How to Play Rock ID Bingo: directions for a review game!

Rock identification can be a challenging but fun subject to teach in any science classroom. If you’ve taught your students the basics of rock ID, but need a fun review game to end your unit or prepare for a test, I’ve got…

Geology Review Game Idea: mineral ID bingo

Are you teaching rocks & minerals in your science classroom? If you’ve taught your students the basics of mineral ID, but need a fun review game to end your unit, look no further than mineral ID bingo. In this post, I’ll go…

5 Reasons to Teach Rivers and Streams in Your Classroom

Rivers and streams provide endless opportunities for scientific exploration and discovery – and chances are you can find one right in your community! From their chemistry and physics to their role in ecosystems and human communities, rivers and streams offer excellent opportunities…

Teaching Vertebrates: Key Traits of Mammals

Mammals are a special group of creatures with some unique features. Mammals are a huge and diverse group of animals. They live on land, in freshwater, in oceans, and even take to the skies! They come in all sizes, from tiny creatures…

Teach Astronomy with this Edible Constellations Activity

Are you teaching your students about the night sky and astronomy? If you’re looking for an activity to make your constellation and star lessons memorable, look no further than this snack activity. For this project, students will learn to recognize well-known constellations…

Freshwater Visualization: Learning Activity With Kitchen Measurements

It’s hard to imagine just how little freshwater exists on Earth compared to saltwater. If you’re teaching the water cycle, your students might be amazed to learn that less than 3% of the Earth’s water is freshwater—the rest is saltwater. In this…

Stages of a Lunar Eclipse: what to expect while viewing a lunar eclipse

A lunar eclipse is more than just a breathtaking sight—it’s a celestial event with distinct phases, each offering something unique to observe. As the Moon moves through Earth’s shadow, you’ll see subtle changes unfold, from the first faint dimming to the dramatic…

Explaining The Water Cycle in 10 Stages

The water cycle is the process that keeps our planet’s water in constant motion. From evaporation to groundwater flow, each step plays a vital role in shaping our environment and life on our planet. In this post, we’ll explore 10 key processes…

Your Guide to the Lunar Eclipse

A lunar eclipse is a breathtaking celestial event that offers a perfect opportunity to spark curiosity about the moon, space, and astronomy in your classroom or homeschool. In this guide, we’ll explore what causes a lunar eclipse, the different types, how it…

Measuring Soil Infiltration Rates: A Science Classroom Activity

Are you teaching the water cycle or studying soil in your classroom or homeschool? Measuring infiltration rates in different types of soils is a hands-on activity that helps students explore how water interacts with the ground. This soil infiltration activity also ties…

Teaching Landforms: sorting and compare & contrast activities

Teaching landforms in your classroom? If you’re searching for a quick and easy way to help students learn about landforms—without needing lots of extra supplies—you’ve come to the right place! This post shares simple sorting and compare/contrast activities perfect for introducing landforms.…

DIY Rain Gauge Activity for Teaching the Water Cycle

Teaching your students about the water cycle? Building a DIY rain gauge from a plastic bottle is a fun, hands-on activity to explore a key water cycle process: precipitation. This simple project is perfect for your classroom or homeschool and can be…

Reptile Traits: Key Characteristics You Should Know

What is a Reptile? Reptiles are a cool group of critters – and not just because they are cold-blooded! They are part of a bigger category of animals called vertebrates, which means they all have a backbone. There are seven different groups,…

Hands-On Water Cycle Activity: Measure Evaporation

Looking for a simple, hands-on way to teach the water cycle? Measuring evaporation is an easy activity that brings the process to life for your students. Perfect for classrooms or homeschools, this experiment makes learning about the water cycle engaging and interactive!…

5 Reasons to Teach Soil Science in Your Classroom

Soil is often overlooked as a classroom topic, yet it’s a fascinating and practical area of science to explore with one’s students. Whether you’re introducing elementary schoolers to the basics of earth science or tackling advanced environmental science concepts with high schoolers,…

Comparing Arctic and Antarctic Regions: Key Differences and Similarities

The Arctic and Antarctic sit at opposite ends of the Earth. While these icy extremes share surprising similarities, there are some big differences between them too. From their unique geographies to the wildlife and weather, these polar regions offer endless opportunities for…

Teaching Climate Change: Positive Feedback Loops & Sea Ice

Share This Post: Are you searching for a science lesson that brings climate change to life in your classroom? Positive feedback loops are not just fascinating—they’re a powerful way to help students grasp the dynamics behind our warming planet. By teaching about…

Teaching Climate Change: hands-on sea ice albedo experiment

Share This Post: Are you looking for a hands-on activity to teach climate change? In this lab, students will create a model of sea ice and ocean water albedo using aluminum foil and two tubs of water. Students will track the temperature…

5 Fascinating Adaptations of Arctic and Antarctic Animals

Share This Post: Antarctica and the Arctic are the coldest places on Earth, yet many animals not only survive but thrive in these icy environments. How do they do it? Polar animals have incredible adaptations that help them cope with extreme cold…

5 Winter-Themed STEM Activities: snowflakes, glaciers, and more!

Looking for fun and educational ways to bring STEM learning into your homeschool or classroom this winter? These winter-themed activities are perfect for exploring science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on projects that celebrate the season. From measuring snow and studying glaciers…

Journey of a Snowflake: learn how snow forms

Are you ready to learn how snowflakes form? Whether you’re teaching at home or in the classroom, studying the formation of snowflakes with your students is a fun winter learning activity. In this post, we’ll follow the journey of a snowflake as…

7 Engaging Ecology Topics to Elevate Your Science Lessons

Are you searching for a fun and unique ecology topic to teach in your science classroom? Look no further! In this post, I’ve compiled seven fascinating ecology topics that will spark curiosity about the natural world in your students. Additionally, this post…

9 Interactive Earth Science Activities for Homeschool and Classroom Learning

Are you in search of engaging ways to teach earth science in your homeschool or classroom? Hands-on activities help make complex concepts more memorable and enjoyable for students. Whether you’re building models of Earth’s layers, measuring stream flow, or exploring plate boundaries,…

8 Engaging Bird Activities for Homeschool and Classroom Science Lessons

Are you studying birds in your homeschool or classroom? Engaging your students with interactive bird activities can make learning about these unique animals memorable. Birds provide a great opportunity to explore key science concepts, from understanding bird adaptations and behaviors to investigating…

Types of Bird Wings: functions, descriptions, and pictures!

Bird wings are not one size fits all – bird wings come in many specialized forms that are serve different functions and fit different lifestyles. Let’s take a look at a few different types of bird wings and what they do!

Seabirds & Shorebirds: types of birds you can spot at the ocean!

The beach is a fantastic spot for bird watching; you’ll encounter a fascinating array of seabirds and shorebirds—each adapted to life in a saltwater environment. Through adaptation, these species have each carved out their own place in the coastal ecosystem, making the…

Rocks vs Minerals: the difference between rocks and minerals

If you are studying rocks and minerals, you may be wondering: “what is the difference between rocks and minerals? Are they the same?”. The simple answer is no, they are not the same. You see, minerals are the building blocks of rocks.…

The Physical Properties of Minerals: color, luster, hardness, and more!

Are you studying rocks and minerals? Mineral identification may seem challenging at first, but by using these physical properties, you can identify many common minerals! Below, you will find a list of the physical properties of minerals that will help you identify…

Science Snack Activity: make a soil horizons parfait!

Perhaps you have made a “cup of dirt” from pudding. But you can turn this simple snack into a tasty science activity by creating a soil horizons parfait! For this activity, you will make a parfait with 6 layers to represent the…

Porosity & Permeability: science experiments to try in your classroom!

Are you teaching your students the difference between porosity and permeability? While these two properties of soils and rocks are related, they are not the same! And what better way to understand the difference between porosity and permeability than a hands-on lab…

Reptiles vs Amphibians: learn the key differences + classroom activity!

Can you tell the difference between a reptile and an amphibian? It can be challenging. Afterall, they are both ectothermic vertebrate animals. But there are a few key differences between reptiles vs amphibians that you can use to tell them apart. Lungs…

Types of Reptiles: snakes, lizards, turtles, and more!

Reptiles are a cool group of critters – and not just because they are cold-blooded! They are part of a bigger category of animals called vertebrates, which means they all have a backbone. There are seven different groups, or classes, of vertebrates…

Animal Disguises: types of camouflage and coloration!

Camouflage is an adaptation that helps an animal disguise its appearance. There are many types of camouflage. Camouflage may help an animal blend into its background or look like something inedible or toxic. Many prey animals use camouflage to protect themselves from…

Build Your Own Solar Eclipse Viewer Box: a step by step guide!

If a solar eclipse is happening where you live, make this simple solar eclipse viewer from household materials. You cannot look directly at the Sun because it will damage your eyes. However, you can view a solar eclipse using a homemade eclipse…

Phases of Water: phase changes and classroom activity!

There are three phases of water. Water can transition between these phases via six different phase changes. In this post, learn about each one, then try out the phases of water classroom activity at the end! Ice (solid) Water molecules are packed…

What is a keystone species? Definition and four examples!

A keystone species is an organism that plays an exceptionally large role in its ecosystem. It provides materials or services that enrich the lives of other organisms in the ecosystem. Without the keystone species, the ecosystem would look very different and other…

The Saguaro Cactus Life Cycle: step-by-step guide with pictures!

Some saguaro cacti live for 200 years or longer! Saguaros grow very slowly. The speed of growth depends on many factors such as precipitation, temperature, and soil quality. Let’s explore the saguaro cactus life cycle in five steps! Notice that desert animals…

Types of Cacti: explore the diversity of cactus species! With pictures!

There are many types of cacti, which are found in dry places and deserts. Cacti are succulent plants. Succulent plants are thick and fleshy for storing water. While all cacti are succulents, not all succulents are cacti. Cacti are unique because they…

8 Plate Tectonics Activities – try these project ideas in your classroom!

Plate tectonics is an important concept for students to understand. To help you get started studying plate tectonics in your classroom, I’ve put together this list of eight engaging and hands-on plate tectonics activities and projects to try out in your classroom…

5 Outdoor Math Activities with Real World Applications

If you are a teacher, you know that combining math activities with real-world applications can make things a bit more interesting. Now taking applied math OUTSIDE?! Your students might just find that math is more fun than they ever thought it could…

What’s new at Wild Earth Lab?! + Free Mini Study

Get ready! A lot is new at Wild Earth Lab this summer! And to top it all off, I have a free mushroom mini study for you! Below, I’ve put together a list of my most recent science units, freebies, blog/activity posts,…

Bugs vs Insects vs Arthropods: what’s the difference?

Many people misuse “bug” when talking about any insect. However, only certain insects are considered true bugs. In this post, you will learn the difference between a bug, and insect, and an arthropod and why they are not quite the same thing.

Intro to Taxonomy: how living beings are sorted and classified

Taxonomy is the science of organizing and classifying living beings into groups. It is important in the fields of wildlife biology, botany, mycology, zoology, microbiology, ecology and more! Introducing your students to taxonomy is a great way to start exploring the biodiversity…


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