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My Favorite Habitat

Grades K and 1
Science, Social Studies, English, and Technology

Lesson Plan

Overview

The teacher will introduce the concept of habitats to the students as well as model for them the characteristics of a habitat.  Students will then research how many national sites are located in their state as well as in one other state.  Students will choose two habitats to compare on a Venn diagram, and will create an illustration of one of the habitats.

Objectives

Students will demonstrate an understanding of the general characteristics of habitats.  Students will describe and compare specific habitats.

Summary

  • Read the students the chosen text on habitats.  Review the various characteristics of a habitat and record these on a chart.  Generate a class list of examples of habitats seen in the text.  Model creating a Venn diagram with the students (for instance, compare two students' clothing, two book covers, two lunch boxes).  Then compare two habitats from the text and create a class Venn diagram.
  • Describe the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program for background information.  The program is described at www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/atb/.  Tell the students that the back of a coin is called the reverse, and "obverse" is another name for the front.
  • With the students, examine five quarter designs (plus your state's, if available).  Locate your state on a classroom map then locate each of the other five sites on the map.  Note the other states' locations in relation to your school's location.  Demonstrate how to find the national sites located in each state, using your own state as an example.  Answer any student questions.
  • Explain to the students that they will be creating two projects:  1) a Venn diagram comparing two different habitats, and 2) an illustration of one habitat.
  • Allow the students to pick a national site from among those discussed to research.  Give them time to research habitats found at the site.  Have them record their research on the "What Types of Habitats?" worksheet.
  • Have the students choose and compare two habitats using a Venn diagram.
  • Have the students choose one habitat and complete an illustration of the habitat referring to their "What Types of Habitats?" worksheets.  Allow them to use digital drawing software if available.  Have them present the Venn diagrams and illustrations to the class.

Assessment

  • Take anecdotal notes about the students' participation in class discussions.
  • Use the students' worksheets and projects to evaluate whether they have met the lesson objectives.

Differentiated Learning

  • Allow students to work in pairs.
  • Allow students to use a scribe to label their worksheets.
  • Allow students to use a template to complete the project.
  • Perform the research as a class, then allow students to complete the Venn diagrams and habitat illustrations independently.

Connection to www.usmint.gov/kids

Print Me

Worksheets associated with this lesson plan

Student

Objectives

You will learn how to complete a Venn diagram from the information that you collect on national sites.  You will also create your own drawing of one of the habitats found in your chosen national site, including the four components of a habitat (food, water, shelter, and space).

Step-By-Step Directions

  1. Use the links on www.nps.gov to find how many national sites are in your state.
  2. Locate one of the states discussed in class and find out how many national sites are located there.
  3. Choose one national site to research.  Find out what animals and habitats are there and record them on your "What Types of Habitats?" worksheet.
  4. Choose which two types of habitats you want to compare on your Venn diagram.  Create the Venn diagram comparing the habitats.
  5. Create an illustration of one of the habitats you learned about in your research.  Refer to the findings on your "What Types of Habitats?" worksheet and Venn diagram for help.
  6. Present your Venn diagram and illustration to the class when they are complete.

Standards

Science

National Science Teachers Association (www.nsta.org/publications/nses.aspx)

  • The world has many different environments, and distinct environments support the life of different types of organisms.

Social Studies

National Council for the Social Studies (www.socialstudies.org)

  • People, Places, and Environments

English

National Council of Teachers of English (www.ncte.org) and International Reading Association (IRA) (www.reading.org)

  • Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions, and by posing problems.  They gather, evaluate, and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g., print and non-print texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience.
  • Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.

Technology

International Society for Technology in Education (www.iste.org)

  • Research and Informational Fluency:  Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.

Side Box

Time

Two or three 20- to 30-minute sessions

Materials List

  • "What Type of Habitats?" worksheet (1 per student)
  • Images of five quarters featuring national sites
  • 1 copy of an age-appropriate text that gives information about habitats, such as:

    • I See A Kookaburra! by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page
    • The ABC's of Habitats by Bobbie Kalman
    • About Habitats Series by Cathryn Sill
  • Chart paper
  • Writing materials
  • Digital drawing software program
  • Computer access

Keywords

  • Habitat
  • Venn diagram
  • National site
  • Food
  • Water
  • Shelter
  • Space

Helpful Hints

  • Make sure to model for the students on a projector how to complete a Venn diagram.  Create your own sample Venn diagram in the software program that you can show.
  • Address and highlight any unfamiliar or new vocabulary from the text and record it on a chart.
  • Fill in the name of a national site and the habitats and animals found there on the "What Types of Habitats?" worksheet ahead of time.
  • Make copies of necessary materials.
  • Bookmark Web sites to guide students to exactly where you want them to research.
  • Create a template on the software program you will be using to help students complete the Venn diagram and illustrations.
  • Identify exactly which national sites you would like students to research, or narrow the selection, as some national sites may have more habitats than others.

Student Side Box

What You Need

  • "Print Me" worksheets
  • Internet access

Related Materials

  • What Types of Habitats? (worksheet)
  • My Favorite Habitat (Project Guide)

Related Links

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