12 of 30 results for "observation"
Printable
Take Your PreK-2 Students on a Nature Walk and Use These Worksheets!

Everyone loves a nature walk! Take your PreK–Grade 2 students outside to observe the world around them. With these worksheets on a clipboard, you can make your nature walk more focused and a true learning experience (in addition to being loads of fun!).

  • Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt: Students look for a leaf, flower, bird, and more. They can check off each item they find and then color them when they get back to the classroom.
  • Nature Walk Observations: Encourage your kids to draw and write what they see on their nature walk.
  • Nature Walk I Spy: Challenge your students to find something that smells good, something round, something tiny, something rough, something green, and something that flies.
  • Nature Walk Report: When you get back to the room, have your kids draw and write about what they saw on their nature walk.
Video
Developing Theories From the Chemistry of Mercury

In Developing Theories From the Chemistry of Mercury, Professor Brian Cox explains why Mercury is an unusual planet. Learn how Mercury was formed and how scientists are using observations of the planet from the Messenger mission, to refine theories about how the planet came to be. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The Planets, a series that explores the dramatic lives of the eight planets in our Solar System.

Video
Just Right! How Plants Grow

In Just Right! How Plants Grow, Ranger Hamza and the Ramblers are at the park. They get a close-up look at flowers and learn what plants need in order to grow. This video is excerpted from BBC's Ranger Hamza’s Eco Quest, a nature exploration show in which Ranger Hamza and the Ramblers go on quests to discover nature’s wonders and the important role they play in our environment.

Video
The Soggy Marshland Ecosystem

In The Soggy Marshland Ecosystem, Ranger Hamza and the Ramblers explore a marshland, a place where land is covered in water. Come along to see what animals and plants they find. This video is excerpted from BBC's Ranger Hamza’s Eco Quest, a nature exploration show in which Ranger Hamza and the Ramblers go on quests to discover nature’s wonders and the important role they play in our environment.

Video
Searching for Seals

In Searching for Seals, Ranger Hamza and the Ramblers have their binoculars ready to spot seals. Join them as they learn why seals are so important to their environment, and use binoculars to spot seals in the sea. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Ranger Hamza’s Eco Quest, a nature exploration show in which Ranger Hamza and the Ramblers go on quests to discover nature’s wonders and the important role they play in our environment.

Video
Spotted! Birdwatching Using Our Five Senses

In Spotted! Birdwatching Using Our Five Senses, Ranger Hamza and the Ramblers use their five senses to find birds. Whether you call it bird spotting or birdwatching, it takes patience! Ranger Hamza and the Ramblers stay quiet so they can hear all the different birds in the park around them. Learn about the different birds they hear. This video is excerpted from BBC's Ranger Hamza’s Eco Quest, a nature exploration show in which Ranger Hamza and the Ramblers go on quests to discover nature’s wonders and the important role they play in our environment.

Video
In Search of Seeds

In In Search of Seeds, Ranger Hamza and the Ramblers are in search of seeds! Join them as they investigate pine cones, observe squirrels, and feed ducks, all while learning about the role that seeds play in the environment. This video is excerpted from BBC's Ranger Hamza’s Eco Quest, a nature exploration show in which Ranger Hamza and the Ramblers go on quests to discover nature’s wonders and the important role they play in our environment.

Printable
Life Cycle Sequencing Cards

Invite your students to explore the life cycles of common organisms with these life cycle sequencing cards. The cards cover the bean plant, butterfly, birch tree, apple tree, honeybee, ladybug, and frog. They come already mixed up, so kids can color, cut, and put them in order. Use as an introductory task, check for understanding, center activity, or study guide!

As you introduce life cycles, focus on key concepts such as stages of growth, changes in form and function, and the idea that all living things follow a pattern from beginning to end. Encourage students to ask questions, make predictions, and notice patterns across plants and animals.

Teaching life cycles in elementary school is not only standards-based, it's also a great way to help students understand how living things grow and change over time. At this level, students are ready to explore clear, observable stages — like seed to plant or egg to adult—and begin comparing similarities and differences across species.

 

Printable
Ready-to-Go Mini Biography Template

This mini biography template is a flexible, engaging tool designed to help students in Grades 3–8 explore the lives of important historical figures. With sections like Best Known For, Important Life Events, Challenges and Obstacles, Memorable Quote, and Legacy and Achievements, students are guided to think beyond basic facts and develop a deeper understanding of a person’s impact. 

This template can be used with any historical figure and pairs especially well with video-based research. Encourage students to explore our BBC video library to gather key details, hear stories in context, and build stronger connections to the people they’re studying.

Here are a few ways you can use this template in your classroom:

  • Celebrate special months: Have students research and complete biographies for influential figures during observances like Women’s History Month or Black History Month.
  • Scientist spotlights: Use the template to profile important scientists, inventors, or innovators throughout history.
  • “Living museum” projects: Have students complete the template, then present their figure in a short first-person speech or display as part of a classroom museum exhibit.
Lesson Plan
Journey to Antarctica: A Penguin Study

In this activity, students will step into the boots of Antarctic research scientists as they uncover the secrets of penguin life! They’ll start by sharing what they already know about Antarctica before "traveling" there through a BBC Frozen Planet video, which will let them experience the continent up close. Then, each student will select a penguin species to research and they will use a BBC video from Seven Worlds, One Planet or Frozen Planet to gather their observations. Students will synthesize their notes as they create a research journal page, and they will then wrap up by discussing what new questions they’re curious to investigate next!

Video
Grunting With Gorillas

In Grunting With Gorillas, host Andy Day is in the mountains when he finds a family of gorillas. He grunts to let them know he’s approaching. Then he observes the gorillas taking care of each other. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Andy's Wild Adventures, in which Andy Day embarks on wild adventures with his puppet friend, Kip the cat.

Printable
Walking With Dinosaurs Paleontologist Field Journal

As students explore each dinosaur and dig site combo, they can record their findings in this Paleontologist Field Journal. For each site, students will fill in:

  • Dig Site Observations: Answer questions about the Visit the Dig video.
  • Fact File: Using information from the Meet the Dinosaur video and your own research, fill in all the boxes.
  • Coloring page: Color the detailed scientific drawing of the dinosaur. 

It's all part of our Walking With Dinosaurs Virtual Field Trip!

You'll need to print this double-sided. Select the option to flip on the long edge. To assemble the journals, students will stack the double-sided pages together, fold in half, and staple along the short edge.