This book presents a collection of motivating, independent activities that involve animals and plants for use in developing the research skills of students in grades 2-6. Projects included in the book cover various levels of difficulty and are designed to promote higher-level thinking skills. Research components included in the activities in the book are: following outlines, locating information, taking notes, "mindmapping/webbing," organizing information, writing rough drafts, revising, editing, proofreading, publishing final reports, and investigating through inquiries. Some of the materials in the book are divided into 2 strands--lessons in the green strand are for students who are just beginning to learn research skills, and lessons in the blue strand are for students who have had some experience. Following a teacher reference guide, sections of the book present blue strand materials, green strand materials, and materials for all students on both plant and animal topics. (RS)