Activity 2:  What’s My Habitat?

Grade Level:  4 - 8 grade

Time:  One hour (can be done in several shorter time periods)

Concept:  Students research and describe the exact habitat of a variety of animals.

Objectives:  Students will:

            1.  research one or more animals to determine its habitat needs (Science)

            2.  describe the habitat of their animal(s) (Language Arts)

National Standards

            Science

            Language Arts

Materials:  list of animals from which students select, research materials

Preparation Needed:  Discussion on habitat from background information.

Procedure:

            1.  Have students select an animal to research.  This can be done by allowing students to select any animal of their choice or by providing a list of animals related to the topic (e.g. mammals or invertebrates) or region (e.g. Africa or Australia) being studied at the time in some other subject.

            2.  Instruct students to research their animal and find out what its habitat needs are:  food, water, shelter, space and arrangement.  Be sure to research the ENTIRE life cycle of the animal.

            3.  Make oral or written reports back to the class.

Evaluation:

            Students can write at least one paragraph describing at least three different aspects of habitat.

Extension:

            Look at real estate ads in the local newspaper.  Write one for the habitat of the animal researched.  Post all the real estate ads in one  area or in one notebook and the research of the animals in another area or notebook.  Have the students try to figure out which ad goes with which animal.

Modifications:

Older students

            1.  Increase the diversity of the animals or select animals about which the students probably do not already know anything.

Younger students

            1.  Use only familiar animals.  Consider focusing on local animals so that students can actually find their species.  Is it in the habitat that was described?

ACTIVITY THREE