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Activity ideas Ecology

Parts of a mushroom: anatomy of mushrooms plus a fun learning activity!

Mushroom anatomy is a great science activity for students of any age! In this post, we will examine the main parts of a mushroom.

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Amazing Wildlife Ecology

What are aquatic macroinvertebrates? Their role in food webs and use as bioindicators!

These tiny critters may seem unremarkable, or even “icky”. However, aquatic macroinvertebrates play important roles in aquatic ecosystems.

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Activity ideas Ecology

10 pond activities to try in your classroom!

Ponds are an amazing place to teach children about ecology, biodiversity, and wildlife. Here are 10 fun pond activity ideas to try out with your students! I hope these lesson ideas help you have a great pond field trip or pond unit study with your class.

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Botany Ecology

How does pollination work? A step-by-step guide to pollination and the plant life cycle

You might already know that pollination is the transfer of pollen from the stamen to the carpel of a flowering plant. In this post, we will take a closer look at the steps of animal pollination and the plant life cycle. The relationship between a pollinator and a plant is key to the survival of both species.

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Amazing Wildlife Ecology

Which animals pollinate? Common pollinators plus a few that will surprise you!

Pollinators are animals that transfer pollen between flowers. Many pollinators are insects, such as bees. However, birds, mammals, and a variety of other animals can also be pollinators! Pollinators are key members of most terrestrial (on-land) ecosystems. Pollinated plants produce food that feeds other members of the ecosystem. Pollinators also help humans because they pollinate […]

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Botany Ecology

What are the different types of pollination? How animal, water, and wind pollination methods work

You might already know that pollination is the transfer of pollen from the stamen (male flower part) to the carpel (female flower part) of a flowering plant. Once pollinated (via any of the pollination methods), the plant forms a fruit. Fruits contain seeds, which will grow into the next generation of plants. Read more about […]

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Activity ideas Ecology

11 Pollination Activities for Kids: pollinator lesson ideas to try in your classroom!

If you’re learning about pollination with your students or kids this school year, try out some of these fun pollination activity ideas in your classroom! 1. Insect Vision A flower that looks fairly plain to the human eye may look completely different through the eyes of an insect! Flower petals sometimes reflect UV and infrared […]

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Earth Science Ecology

Disturbance and succession: examples of ecological disturbances, and the role of wildfire in ecosystems!

In this post, you’ll learn about ecological disturbance and succession, starting with definitions and examples of disturbances. We will cover the differences between primary succession vs. secondary succession, as well as the steps of the ecological succession process. Finally, you’ll read about why disturbances like wildfire can be important and natural processes in ecosystems! What […]

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Ecology

Symbiotic Relationships in Ecology: mutualism, parasitism, and commensalism

What is a symbiotic relationship? A symbiotic relationship is a long-term interaction between two species. Did you know lichens are two species in a symbiotic relationship? A lichen is a fungi and an algae or bacteria living together. This is just one of many examples of a symbiotic relationship! Symbiotic relationships typically benefit at least […]

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Activity ideas Ecology

What is Ecology? Learn why ecology is important + ecology activity ideas for kids

In this article, learn about ecosystems and ecology! Plus, you’ll learn the difference between biotic and abiotic. Also, read about why ecology is important and learn about what ecologists study! Click here to skip to the the list of Ecology Activity Ideas for Kids! Or, check out my food webs resources here! What is an […]