Grades 6-8
diagram
Leaf Margins
Entire or toothed? Being able to distinguish between these two types of leaf margins will help you identify a plant specimen. This illustrated guide shows you what both look like.
Article
Describing and Understanding Organisms
At a loss for words when it comes to explaining your biodiversity findings in the classroom, field, or lab? Increase your vocabulary—and observation skills—with this guide to gathering clues.
Article
Face to Fossil
Join the inquisitive Deena Soris as she interviews the fossil of a Protoceratops. This dashing dino, dug up in Mongolia in the 1920s, offers insight into his former life—and the secrets he's still keeping.
Article
Going Gobi
Who would travel halfway around the world to spend the summer in a desert where brutal sandstorms and surprise flash floods are on the itinerary? Meet Mike and Mark, who've made the trek annually since 1990.
Article
Meet the PaleontOLogists
If you dig dinosaurs, then you need to meet these OLogists. Find out what cool stuff Anna, Max, Reva, and Mark have uncovered while following their curiosity.
Article
Drawing as a Way of Looking at the Natural World
Don't just take a close look at that arthropod, pick up a pencil and draw it! You'll be surprised how much better you'll understand and appreciate what you're seeing.
Article
Kids in the Hall of Biodiversity: Articles
What do chocolate and cacao beans have to do with coral reefs? Everything when it comes to biodiversity and the threat of extinction, according to these Kids in the Hall.
Article
Reading the Rocks at Cold Spring Harbor, New York
See how a day of collecting rocks on the north shore of Long Island turned into an exploration of the Earth's history for this eighth-grader from New York.
Article
Rocks of Roane County, West Virginia
The meandering stream that carved West Virginia's natural land bridge also helped create diverse layers of rock at its foundation. Tour the area's geological past with this ninth-grader.
Activity
Make Your Own Horse Stationery
Why send an email when you can deliver your message on horseback. Add your name and address—and anything else you want to—to these colorful stationery files.
