Investigating local ecosystems
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.php?DocID=80
A lesson plan for grades K–1 Science
The purpose of this lesson is to use Internet resources to investigate the habitats of local plants and animals. Students explore some of the ways animals depend on plants and each other. In order to learn about the living environment, young children should begin with direct observation of their immediate surroundings, such as a backyard, schoolyard or local pond. As students observe their environment, they should have many opportunities to record and communicate their findings using words and pictures. The Internet offers many resources to extend student exploration and discussion. It also gives students opportunities to observe environments and organisms that are very different from those near at hand.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Science (2005)
Grade 1
- Goal 1: The learner will conduct investigations and make observations to build an understanding of the needs of living organisms.
- Objective 1.01: Investigate the needs of a variety of different plants:
- Air.
- Water.
- Light.
- Space.
- Objective 1.02: Investigate the needs of a variety of different animals:
- Air.
- Water.
- Food.
- Shelter.
- Space.
- Objective 1.05: Discuss the wide variety of living things on Earth.
- Objective 1.01: Investigate the needs of a variety of different plants:
Kindergarten
- Goal 1: The learner will make observations and build an understanding of similarities and differences in animals.
- Objective 1.02: Observe how animals interact with their surroundings.
