Science Lessons
for 3rd-5th Grade Classes
SCIENCE in the SCRUB Module 1:
At Home in the Florida Scrub
In this lesson, students learn how Florida Scrub-Jays rely on family for survival in the Florida scrub, and how scientists use banding and long-term research to understand and protect this endangered species. Students watch a video about Florida Scrub-Jays, then work in pairs to identify the roles that family member share.
Lesson Plan
Scrub-Jay Story Image
Includes directions, background information, and worksheets.
Drawing of the Florida scrub habitat with a family of Florida Scrub-Jays.
Scrub-Jay Graph
Graph showing the relationship to fire and Florida Scrub-Jay population size
Family Tree
An illustration of a Florida Scrub-Jay family.
SCIENCE in the SCRUB Module 1:
At Home in the Florida Scrub
Students learn how Florida Scrub-Jays rely on family for survival in the Florida scrub, and how scientists use banding and long-term research to understand and protect this endangered species.
Lesson Plan
Scrub-Jay Story Image
Scrub-Jay Graph
Family Tree
SCIENCE in the SCRUB Module 2:
Florida Scrub Food Chain
Students learn about the components of food chains in the Florida scrub habitat.
Students watch a slide presentation, then work in small groups using print-outs to model food chains and food webs.
Mod 2: Lesson Plan
Food Chain Slideshow
SCIENCE in the SCRUB Module 3:
Animal Skulls: Animal Features are Bone Deep
In this lesson, students learn about how scientists classify animals and how animal skulls reveal clues about how animals live. Students watch a video, then work in groups to complete a skull matching activity.
Mod 3: Lesson Plan
Skull Match Answers
Discovering the Florida Scrub Curriculim
Discovering the Florida Scrub is a for educators interested in taking their science lessons outdoors. The curriculum encourages students and teachers to get into the scrub and explore the habitat using hands-on inquiry-based activities. Although designed for grades 3-5, the activities and information include ideas suitable for older students. The organisms chosen for the activities are ones that can be found and worked with easily.