Interactive Spring Science Menu Featuring Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry & Cultural Science Topics.

This Google Slides lesson uses short, curated videos to examine science concepts connected to spring holidays through a student-choice structure. Students select from a set of video-based investigations and analyze each topic using guided questions.

Students choose from approximately eleven science topics and:

• watch a short, kid-friendly video

• answer content-based and reasoning questions

• explain the scientific mechanisms behind seasonal or holiday-related phenomena

Topics include examples such as:

• how jellybeans are made

• the biology of four-leaf clovers

• the life cycle of chicks

• the science of the spring equinox

• and other spring-themed science phenomena

The lesson is structured as a choice board, with a recommended number of activities to complete while allowing flexibility based on time and instructional goals.

This lesson is designed to support:

• application of science concepts to everyday and seasonal contexts

• explanation of phenomena using scientific ideas

• engagement through structured student choice

• short-form analysis of multimedia science sources

It functions well as:

• a seasonal science activity

• an enrichment or review task

• a low-prep digital choice board lesson

The format allows students to explore multiple scientific topics while practicing explanation and interpretation rather than passive viewing.

PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOUR SCHOOL/DISTRICT ALLOWS YOUTUBE ACCESS BEFORE PURCHASE.

Grade Recommendation

Best Fit:

• Middle School Grades 7–8

• High School Grades 9–10 (as enrichment, seasonal engagement, or sub plans)

Course Alignment:

• Life Science

• Biology

• Earth & Space Science

• Physical Science

• Cultural/Botanical Science

Why:
The topics cover accessible but authentic science concepts such as:

• Plant reproduction

• Chicken life cycle

• Bread chemistry

• Spring Equinox

• Rabbit domestication

• Four-leaf clover genetics

• Insect ecology (locusts)

• Asparagus metabolism

These concepts are easily understood by MS students and deepenable for HS learners.

To preview this lesson, click here.

Cross-Curricular Connections & Extension Opportunities

Cross-Curricular Connections

ELA:

• Summaries, explanatory writing, and evidence-based responses

• Noting main ideas/details from media

Social Studies / History:

• Tulipmania (economics & cultural history)

• Rabbit domestication

• Bread traditions in spring holidays

Math:

• Simple ratios in life cycles

• Patterns in leaf clover genetics

Culinary Arts / Food Science:

• Chemistry of leavening + bread

• Egg chemistry

• Jelly bean production

Health / Physiology:

• Metabolic pathways in asparagus pee genetics

Extension Ideas

• CER response: “Why are four-leaf clovers so rare?”

• Mini-presentation: “The science behind your favorite spring food.”

• Student-designed infographic (e.g., life cycle of a chicken)

• Add an asynchronous sub plan requiring students to pick 3 videos and compare them

Join the Lesson Laboratory and Teach for Tomorrow!

NGSS Standards (Includes SEPs + CCCs)

Because this resource is a choice board, multiple NGSS strands apply depending on the video selected.

Relevant Performance Expectations (Students pick different combinations)

Middle School NGSS

• MS-LS1-4 – Reproduction in plants

• MS-LS1-5 – Photosynthesis (tulips, clover)

• MS-LS1-6/7 – Digestion/metabolism (asparagus pee)

• MS-LS3-2 – Variation and inheritance (four-leaf clovers)

• MS-LS4-4 – Adaptations (locust ecology)

• MS-ESS1-1 – Earth–Sun relationships (spring equinox)

• MS-PS1-2 – Chemical reactions (leavened/unleavened bread)

High School NGSS

• HS-LS1-2 – Structure/function (flowers, sensory pathways)

• HS-LS1-3 – Homeostasis (metabolic breakdown of asparagus compounds)

• HS-LS3-1/2 – Inheritance & genetic probability (clover genetics)

• HS-LS4-2 – Common ancestry (rabbit domestication)

• HS-PS1-4 – Chemical reactions & energy (bread chemistry)

• HS-ESS1-1 – Seasons and Earth’s position (spring equinox)

Science & Engineering Practices (SEPs)

• SEP 7: Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

• SEP 4: Analyzing & interpreting data (from video evidence)

• SEP 6: Constructing scientific explanations

Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs)

• Cause & Effect:

  • Why clover mutations occur

  • Why bread rises

  • Why chickens develop in stages

• Patterns:

  • Seasonal cycles

  • Mendelian inheritance patterns

• Structure & Function:

  • Flower parts and reproduction

  • Asparagus metabolism and odor detection

• Energy & Matter:

  • Chemical reactions in bread

  • Life cycle transitions

Common Core Standards 

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.7 / RST.9-10.7
Integrate information from videos and multimedia.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.2 / WHST.9-10.2
Write informative/explanatory scientific responses.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.9 / WHST.9-10.9
Use evidence from multimedia sources.