The Hot Chalk Lesson Plans Page features a long list of activities and experiments based on living organisms. The activities are divided into sections, such as animals, insects and spiders, plants and the human body. In the "Plants" category, students can learn about how plants develop and the function of seeds. The "Insects and Spiders" category includes a lesson about observing the body parts and behavior of a cricket. An example of an animal-related lesson is a guessing game that requires kids to guess the animal based on the sound they hear.
The Family Education website features several basic science activities for young children. One activity is a tree-growing experiment, where parents help their child plant and monitor a tree. As the tree grows, the child can observe it by taking its measurements, counting its branches and describing its leaves, seeds or fruit. The site also includes printouts that teach children about living organisms such as butterflies, ocean animals and wildflowers. General tips are included for parents who want to know how to discuss science with young children.
On the Pre-Kinders website, many ideas and activities are offered that teach kids about insects, trees and ocean creatures. An example of a simple activity is pumpkin observation. Children can observe pumpkins of different sizes and colors, then the pumpkins are cut open for them to observe the insides. Suggestions are included that describe collecting objects from trees, such as pine-cones, tree bark, leaves and nuts. If the children live by a beach, they can also build a collection of ocean items, including a starfish, sea shells, sponges and coral.
This site describes how kids can make an insect zoo. Using several containers filled with rocks, dirt, leaves and grass, children can collect local insects, then observe their behavior before releasing them. A "Bug Bait" idea is offered, involving placing a container in the child's yard, then putting some sugary bait into the container. The child can then watch to see what kind of insects the bait attracts. Kids can also make a bug book to display everything they know about insects.