Patterns and processes of evolution. How evolution and natural selection are reflected in the similarities and differences of organisms.

Bring the rainforest to life in your classroom! Give your students hands-on experiences that will build their understanding of the importance of tropical rainforests and the need for protecting these valuable ecosystems. Explore topics including the water cycle in the Amazon, the life cycle of rainforest plants, rainforest conservation challenges, and more. You can use this kit to prepare your students for a field trip to the Academy's Rainforest Exhibit. Or, if you can't make it to the Academy, use the kit on its own to bring the rainforest to you! This version of the rainforest kit is for grades 4 - 8.

Students will learn that there is a finite amount of carbon on earth, which moves around in the environment, from one place to another. Activity is scaleable from elementary to high school with options to introduce advanced content. Wrap up includes role playing the carbon cycle with the addition of human influences (e.g. burning of fossil fuels). Activity can be done in classroom or outside, includes working in a group and role playing. Grades 3-12. This resources is part of the Our Changing Ocean and Estuaries Series

Different approaches to conservation and how they can protect species and habitats. Video by California Academy of Sciences. Created by California Academy of Sciences.

Are all coral reefs the same? Each regional ecosystem has its own assemblage of species and each contributes uniquely to global biodiversity. Explore why ecosystem diversity is important for conservation decisions. Video by California Academy of Sciences.

Flow of energy and matter through ecosystems. What happens if an ecosystem is disrupted. Video by California Academy of Sciences. Created by California Academy of Sciences.

Flow of energy and matter through ecosystems. What happens if an ecosystem is disrupted. Video by California Academy of Sciences. Created by California Academy of Sciences.

How genetic variation is the raw material of evolution, and how restricted gene flow can lead to the formation of new species.

In this activity, students will practice the steps involved in a scientific investigation as they learn why ice formations on land (and not those on water) will cause a rise in sea level upon melting. This is a discovery lesson on ice and water density and displacement of water.

Effects of climate change on biodiversity. Video by California Academy of Sciences. Created by California Academy of Sciences.

Human activities that cause a loss of biodiversity. Video by California Academy of Sciences. Created by California Academy of Sciences.

This video explores what happens when exotic animal and plant species are introduced into ecosystems, and the impact of introduced species on biodiversity. Created by California Academy of Sciences.

Overview of how local and global policies can help protect biodiversity. Video by California Academy of Sciences. Created by California Academy of Sciences.

Overview of how the individual can help protect biodiversity. Video by California Academy of Sciences. Created by California Academy of Sciences.

Trek through a tropical rainforest and explore the incredible diversity of species that call it home. Come explore the vast interactive network of plants, animal, and insects in tropical rainforests.

What a biodiversity hotspot is, and why these locations are important to preserve. Video by California Academy of Sciences. Created by California Academy of Sciences.