Ecosystems and Adaptations



OVERVIEW



The interactions of biotic and abiotic factors found in different ecosystems begin this four lesson unit of study. Each small group is assigned a different habitat to discuss how the factors provide food and shelter for all animals found in the ecosystem. Examination of bobcat and jackrabbit skulls provides discussion of how animals adapt to their habitats. Both physical and structural adaptations are explored through the reading of the book, What Color is Camouflage? Hands-on inspection of different seeds helps students to understand that even seeds have adapted for easy dispersal throughout the ecosystem. The lab for this unit of study involves students using tools representing different bird beaks. Discussion of which types of food the beaks collect best helps to reinforce how adaptations are made within a habitat.


RESERVE NOW

What's included



Lesson #1 - Habitats

Students will investigate abiotic and biotic elements of habitats and the correlation of the habitats providing food and shelter for the animals.

What's included: Class set of pre/post Ecosystems and Adaptations Knowledge Survey sheets; Bobcat skull replica; Jackrabbit skull replica; 8 sets of What is a Habitat? activity sheets; inflatable globe; flashlight; Vocabulary poster; Learning Goal poster; Sentence Frame poster.


Lesson #2 - Adaptations

Students will connect how an animal's structure and behavior adaptions help it to survive in its habitat.

What's included: Bobcat and jackrabbit skull replicas; Prey and Predator class poster; What Color is Camouflage? picture book; class set of Adaptations activity sheet; Vocabulary poster; Learning Goal poster; Sentence Frame poster.


Lesson #3 - Seed Dispersal

Students will interpret how a seed's adaptation for easy dispersal ensures a plentiful supply of plants in a habitat.

What's included: Class set of Seed Dispersal activity; 8 Seed Dispersal kits; 9 Peter Pan seed categorizing analogy kits; class poster of Seed Dispersal Categories; class poster from the Seed Dispersal activity; Vocabulary posters; Learning Goal poster; Sentence Frame poster.


Lesson #4 - Adaptations Lab

Students will conduct a scientific investigation simulating bird bead adaptations and the ability to gather food.

What's included: Class set of Bird Beaks and Survival Student Task Booklet; Raccoon class poster; Raccoon skull replica; 8 Bird Beaks and Survival Lab kits; Bird Beak and Survival class posters; Vocabulary posters; Learning Goal poster; Sentence Frame poster.


Lesson #5 - Light and Animal Sight

Students will understand how reflected light is interpreted by the eye and how this information becomes a survival tool.

What's included: Class set of Light and Animal Sight worksheet; 1 Reflection Light kit (the kit includes: flashlight, two hand-held mirrors, "Eye to Eye How Animals See the World" book by Steve Jenkins).