Biodiversity

Standard E - The Living Environment

Students understand that cells are the basic unit of life, that all life as we know it has evolved through genetic transfer and natural selection to create a great diversity of organisms, and that these organisms create interdependent webs through which matter and energy flow.  Students understand similarities and differences between humans and other organisms and the interconnections of these interdependent webs. 

Pre K-2 - Performance indicator - E. 1. Biodiversity

Students describe similarities and differences in the observable behaviors, features, and needs of plants and animals.

      a.   Describe similarities and differences in the way plants and animals look and the things that they do.
   
Group Activity:  Group students into pairs.  Assign each one a computer and log on to Sort 60 Deadly Animals
Students will be asked to sort 60 different deadly animals, using the way animals look and the things they do.


Classroom Demonstration: In the front of the class display the Madagascar Dragon Tree, and Naughty girl (our kitten).  Ask the students how they look alike and how they look different.  Ask students if their actions are the same or different.  Encourage the students to discuss how their differences help them.


Effective Questions:  We used a Venn diagram to describe similarities and differences.  What is another way we could demonstrate their similarities and differences?How does the information we see on our chart help you to take care of your plants or pets.


BBC. (2012). Schools-teachers. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/teachers/ks2_lessonplans/science/variation.shtml.com/ 




        b. Describe some features of plants and animals that help them live in different environments.

Group Activity:  Students will make a diagram of their own personal habitat.  They can use any materials they choose.  Remind them that they need to think of the things they need to survive.  Their illustrations need to include descriptions of what they have put on the chart and why they need it to survive. 

Classroom Demonstration:  Begin a discussion about habitats.  Habitat is the place where something lives.  Lets think about our habitat here at Smith School.  Can you name of the the things we need here at school to live?  Lets think about the Madagascar Dragon Tree.  What does it need to live?  What if I left it outside all year?

Effective Questions:   What would happen if you changed the habitat?
                                  Using what we know about certain animals what can we do to protect their habitat?