Explore the basic life processes that all living things share.

FOR STUDENTS

		Online Field Journal: Compare Activity for grades Kindergarten through 5 No matter what the weather or season, you can explore nature with these 11 online challenges. See just how good your observation skills are by comparing butterflies, leaves, reptiles, fish, and more.
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		Online Field Journal: Field Journals Activity for grades Kindergarten through 5 Don't just explore the wonders of nature. Record them! From seashells and birds to animal tracks and spiders, these printable field journals are great guides for your next nature walk.
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		Global Grocery Article for grades 3 through 8 Have you ever wondered what gives chocolate its flavor? Or where olive oil comes from? You might be surprised to learn just how far some of the items in your shopping bag have traveled.
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FOR STUDENTS...MORE CHALLENGING

		Is It Alive? Activity for grades 6 through 12 Despite extreme temperatures and the absence of sunlight, you can find a variety of life on the ocean floor. Take a look at the amazing organisms that thrive in this unlikely environment.
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		Plant Morphology Evidence and Analysis for grades 6 through 12 From leaf margin and arrangement to the parts of a flower and a corn seedling, take an illustrated look at plant morphology with this collection of guides.
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BACKGROUND FOR EDUCATORS

		A Botanist at Large Article for all ages It may be familiar, but how well do you really know your backyard? Find out how to take an eye-opening walk through the neighborhood with these skilled tour guides.
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		Dichotomous Key for Conifers Evidence and Analysis for grades 6 through 12 Like all dichotomous keys, this one for conifers, fittingly looks like a series of branches. Gather a twig that has the tree’s cones or fruits on it. Then branch out and identify your conifer.
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		Saguaro Cactus: From Life to Death Article for grades 6 through 12 Journey to the Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona with this seventh-grader for an up-close and personal look at the saguaro cactus, which can live about 200 years and grow to be almost 80 feet tall.
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		Botanical Gardens Reference List for grades 6 through 12 One of the best ways to see a wide range of plant—and often wildlife—diversity is to visit a botanical garden or arboretum. Track down the nearest one with this guide.
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		Surveying Vietnam: Collecting Plants for Conservation Article for grades 9 through 12 Several new varieties of cycad—"living fossil" plants with evolutionary roots of more than 280 million years—are just one example of the amazing biodiversity now being uncovered in Vietnam.
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Discover the great diversity of animals on the planet and how their unique adaptations help them to survive.

FOR STUDENTS

		Online Field Journal: Compare Activity for grades Kindergarten through 5 No matter what the weather or season, you can explore nature with these 11 online challenges. See just how good your observation skills are by comparing butterflies, leaves, reptiles, fish, and more.
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		Hall of Biodiversity Educator's Guide Activity: Observation Activity for grades Kindergarten through 5 How good are you observation skills? Test them out by observing and recording your pet, the pavement near your pad, and other creative and easy-to-find subjects.
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		It Takes All Kinds to Make a World Article for grades 3 through 8 The ocean's one diverse place—with alga so tiny that 10 million can fit in a single teaspoon to whales longer than three school buses. Take the surfboard challenge, and ride the waves of biodiversity!
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		Draw a Monarch Butterfly Activity for grades 3 through 8 You don't have to be a terrific artist to create a scientific illustration of a monarch butterfly—just willing to take your time researching and re-creating what you find. Learn how.
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FOR STUDENTS...MORE CHALLENGING

		Metamorphosis Evidence and Analysis for grades 6 through 12 Chances are you know that butterflies and moths go through a metamorphosis. But did you know that the same is true for silverfish? Learn more about the two types of arthropod metamorphosis.
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		Let's Talk With Melanie Stiassny About the Oceans Article for grades 6 through 12 Living on land as we do, it's easy to forget this is a water planet. Yet life appeared about 3.5 billion years ago in the ocean, and instead of leaving, most things stayed there.
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		Let's Talk with Ian Harrison about How Marine Animals Breathe Article for grades 6 through 12 When in comes to breathing under water, marine organisms breathe in different ways. Some absorb oxygen through their skin, some rely on gills, and others gulp air into their gas bladders.
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BACKGROUND FOR EDUCATORS

		Milstein Hall of Ocean Life Exhibition Materials for all grades up to 12 More than two-thirds of the planet is covered by ocean, yet less than five percent of it has been explored. Dive in for an in-depth look at Earth's mysterious, fragile, and amazingly vital ocean.
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		Spotlight on Spiders Evidence and Analysis for grades 6 through 12 Not all spiders trap their prey in webs. Crab spiders patiently lie in wait, and wolf spiders actively hunt their prey. Take a closer look at the diverse spiders that live everywhere but Antarctica.
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		The Butterfly Conservatory Exhibition Materials for grades 3 through 12 Dense humidity, lush green jungle plants, and tropical butterflies of every color filling the room—who'd guess this is New York City in the middle of winter?
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		Frogs: A Chorus of Colors Exhibition Materials for all ages Their voices have filled the night with song since the dawn of the dinosaurs, but now environmental changes threaten their existence. Explore the brilliant colors and survival tactics of the world's frogs.
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Explore ecosystems and food webs. Learn about the interdependence among living things in ecosystems.

FOR STUDENTS

		Make Your Own Marine Biology Stationery Activity for grades Kindergarten through 8 Hide your notes in seaweed, send a deep-sea snapshot, or let an cockeyed squid deliver your message. Just add your name and address to these colorful stationery files.
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		Dive Into Worlds Within the Sea Activity for grades 3 through 8 Which squirmy little creatures does the spiny lobster eat? Can you spot the weird greenish glow on the belly of the cookie-cutter shark? Show off your good thinking with a game of good linking.
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		Web of Life Game Activity for grades 3 through 8 When you're done, it may look like you have a tangled mess of twine. But don't be fooled. You'll have created something much more than that—the web of life for an ecosystem!
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		Work the System Article for grades 3 through 8 Did you know that forests with leaves above the water can grow in the ocean? Grab the magical magnifying glass, and see how many different plants and animals you can find in this virtual mangrove swamp.
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		It Takes All Kinds to Make a World Article for grades 3 through 8 The ocean's one diverse place—with alga so tiny that 10 million can fit in a single teaspoon to whales longer than three school buses. Take the surfboard challenge, and ride the waves of biodiversity!
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		What's the Big Idea? Marine Biology Article for grades 3 through 8 How is the ocean like a layer cake? What cool and spooky creatures live there? And just how important is the ocean to humans? Dive deep into marine biology with this kid-friendly introduction.
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		What Do You Know About Marine Biology? Activity for grades 3 through 8 How much do you know about our watery world? Find out with this interactive quiz. Here's a hint to get you started: The greatest diversity of life on Earth is NOT found in your bathroom!
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		Be an Ocean Biodiversity Detective Activity for grades 3 through 12 The tide comes in, the tide goes out ... and in its wake, shells and algae line the seashore like jewels in a necklace. What clues to the ocean's vast biodiversity can you uncover with these gems?
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		Welcome to the Dzanga-Sangha Article for grades 3 through 8 Travel to the lush Dzanga-Sangha rainforest with BaAka. This excellent tour guide will show you the sights—and help you find the clues needed to play Connect the Dots.
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		Life in the City Article for grades 3 through 8 Even the busiest of cities are buzzing with biodiversity. Take a virtual stroll through a city park for a close-up look at some of the inhabitants you otherwise might not notice.
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		Feed the Birds Activity for grades 3 through 8 You can tell a lot about your ecosystem by the kinds of birds that live in it. Create a simple feeder, and see how many of your feathered neighbors come to dine there.
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FOR STUDENTS...MORE CHALLENGING

		Life on the Reef Article for grades 6 through 8 In September 2000, marine biologists from across the U.S. gathered in the Bahamas to study creatures along one of the world's largest barrier reefs. They even got help from NASA. Dive in to their expedition findings.
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		Spectrum of Habitats Exhibition Materials for grades 6 through 12 Did you know that the world's deserts keep expanding each year? Or that islands have the highest animal extinction rate—75 percent? Take a closer look at the major habitats found on Earth.
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BACKGROUND FOR EDUCATORS

		Milstein Hall of Ocean Life Exhibition Materials for all grades up to 12 More than two-thirds of the planet is covered by ocean, yet less than five percent of it has been explored. Dive in for an in-depth look at Earth's mysterious, fragile, and amazingly vital ocean.
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		Video Gallery: Why Conserve Sharks? Article for grades 6 through 12 Why do so few sharks get cancerous tumors? What role do their immune systems play in keeping them healthy? See how scientists are approaching these questions.
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		Going to Gabon: Why Do Fish Matter? Article for grades 6 through 12 Why should we be concerned about the fish that live in the rain forest rivers of Gabon, Africa? For starters, these fish are an early warning system, signaling threats to the water and environment.
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		Hall of Ocean Life Educator's Guide Curriculum Materials for grades Kindergarten through 12 From the cradle of life to endangered ecosystems, the Hall of Ocean Life reflects humans' vast interest in the world's oceans. Make the most of your visit with this practical and printable guide.
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		The Impact of Plant Density and Diversity on Animal Populations in a Sonoran Desert Environment Article for grades 6 through 12 This 10th-grader from Arizona's neighborhood noticed that her association requires that all dry vegetation around homes be removed. Her study finds that when native vegetation is wipped out, desert animals also disappear.
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		Ocean Life Web List Reference List for all grades up to 12 Solve the mystery of the sick killer whales. Send questions to a marine biologist. Explore the secrets of the ocean realm. And learn how to protect the world's waters with this library of links.
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		Mangroves: The Roots of the Sea Article for grades 9 through 12 Breathing tubes that act like snorkels, roots that filter freshwater from seawater, and seeds that can ride the waves for a year before taking root—welcome to the remarkably tough mangrove forest.
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		Ocean Books Reference List for grades 3 through 8 Explore the ocean's depths. Make your own diving bird mobile or Treasure Island map. Discover what sharks eat—and how it tastes. And set your mind afloat with these 12 kid-friendly books.
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Examine how organisms compete and adapt in their environments and the effects that changes to an ecosystem have on the plants and animals that live there.

FOR STUDENTS

		Going, Going, Gone? Article for grades 3 through 8 Today, species are becoming extinct—disappearing from our planet—at a faster rate than ever before. What's behind this increase, and what can be done to slow or stop it?
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		Endangered Species Game Activity for grades 3 through 8 Roll snake eyes, and you're on your way to survival. Land on the extinct box, though, and you're gone. Kaput. Finis. In this board game, your very survival is at stake!
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		They Glow! Article for grades 3 through 8 Most of the deep sea is very dark, with little or no sunlight. But that doesn't mean marine animals are in the dark! Learn how these clever creatures create their own light.
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		Bio-Benefits Article for grades 3 through 8 Can you imagine living on a planet without biodiversity? What in the world would you wear—or eat? See how biodiversity gives us many of life's necessities.
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		Journey to the Bottom of the Sea Activity for grades 3 through 8 Did you know sound moves five times faster in water than in air? Or that cleaner fish have "cleaning stations" where they remove parasites? Deepen your knowledge with this ocean life challenge.
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		Saving Species Article for grades 3 through 12 Take a world-wide tour of biodiversity. You'll meet mollusks in the reefs off the Bahamas, the aye-aye in the tropical forests of Madagascar, and the clever mimic-ant spider that lives in Australia.
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		Water vs. Land Activity for grades 3 through 12 Imagine how your life would change if you lived in the water. What would you eat? And how would you get around—especially if, like a jellyfish, you didn't have a skeleton to support you?
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		Crazy Camouflage Activity for grades 3 through 8 Unlike humans, some animals can instantly change the color or pattern of their skin. Take a hands-on look at how the masters of disguise known as flounders can don several different looks.
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FOR STUDENTS...MORE CHALLENGING

		Create a Polar Creature Activity for grades 6 through 12 Ice floes, katabatic winds, and subzero temperatures—welcome to life in Antarctica. What features would your ideal creature have to thrive in this extreme habitat?
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		Endangered! Exhibition Materials for all ages African wild dog, Asian elephant, Indian python, American crocodile—threats to endangered animals are a global problem. Explore a world at risk, and learn what you can do to help.
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BACKGROUND FOR EDUCATORS

		Frogs: A Chorus of Colors Exhibition Materials for all ages Their voices have filled the night with song since the dawn of the dinosaurs, but now environmental changes threaten their existence. Explore the brilliant colors and survival tactics of the world's frogs.
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		Poison-Dart Frogs: Nature's Touch-Me-Nots Article for grades 6 through 12 For centuries, Latin America's poison-dart frogs have helped hunters capture their prey. Today, they're also helping scientists combat disease. Take a close (safe!) look at these vividly colored frogs with this 15-year-old student.
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		Florida's Fragile Reefs: What's Happening to this Underwater World? Article for grades 6 through 12 Investigate reefs in the Florida Keys to see how and why they are dying not just there, but all over the world. Then learn what can be done to save these "rain forests of the sea."
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		Going to Gabon: Why Do Fish Matter? Article for grades 6 through 12 Why should we be concerned about the fish that live in the rain forest rivers of Gabon, Africa? For starters, these fish are an early warning system, signaling threats to the water and environment.
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		Biodiversity Books Reference List for grades 3 through 8 Look for insects and plants in Belize's Blue Creek rain forest. Identify local animals during your next nature hike. And further explore biodiversity with these 12 kid-friendly titles.
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		Man Bites Shark: Can These Great Survivors Survive? Article for grades 9 through 12 Over the past several decades, shark attacks have greatly increased—but it's sharks, not humans, that are the victims. Learn more about why we're the greatest threat that sharks face.
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		Reefs in Crisis Article for grades 9 through 12 Humans have harmlessly harvested coral reefs for thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of years. So why has our behavior in recent years suddenly put reefs at risk?
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		Will the Fish Return? How Gear and Greed Emptied Georges Bank Article for grades 9 through 12 Georges Bank was once the richest fishing ground in the North Atlantic, but giant trawlers strip mined vast tracts of the ocean floor, and fish populations plummeted. Can the area recover?
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		Letter from Stephanie: Antarctic Adaptations Article for grades 6 through 12 Unlike human visitors, Antarctica's plants and animals don't require high-tech gear. How have these organisms adapted to thrive—not just survive—in such an extreme environment?
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		Exploring a Woodlot's Ecosystem Article for grades 6 through 12 Chances are you've heard the saying "There's no such thing as a free lunch." But did you know that it's one of fundamental laws of ecology? Explore all four with this tenth-grader from Wisconsin.
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		Transformation of the Bioshpere: Deforestation Exhibition Materials for grades 6 through 12 Today, at least 16 million hectares of forests are lost each year to timber harvesting and the conversion of forests to farmland. See the dramatic decline of the Earth's original forest cover.
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