How can Summit's schoolyard support the basic living needs of its current native species?
Habitat Heroes! Rich Performance Task
Pronghorn outside of Summit Elementary.
As more and more homes are being built around Summit Elementary, the natural habitat that sustains native plants, insects, birds, and small animals is disappearing. Native plants are mowed down to create lawns. As a result, small mammals, like rabbits, have nowhere to hide from predators. Birds are losing spaces to build their nests and the food they need to feed their babies.
To remedy the problem the Office of Science has challenged every 3rd grade Summit student to create a plan for a schoolyard habitat. A habitat is an environment that provides the basic needs of food, water, and space for the wildlife that live in and around Summit Elementary.
This is where you come in! The Office of Science is asking you to collect and analyze data about your school's grounds. Then, you will research what living, non-living, and once-living factors are needed to support local native species. After you have collected and evaluated data about your schoolyard and researched information about your local habitats, you will create a Schoolyard Habitat Action Plan. Finally, you will submit your plan for creating a Summit schoolyard habitat to your principal for approval.
~ ESSENTIAL LEARNINGS BELOW ~
What is a habitat?
Watch this movie to learn more!
Learn more about habitat characteristics here.
Click on picture to learn more.
So now you know that a habitat can be a large area or just a small space under a rock! It is the place where an animal lives. A habitat must meet the needs of the animals that live in it. Let’s explore more about the habitats of some animals.
Learn more by playing this animal needs game.
Select the picture to play the game.
A Summit Elementary Slideshow
Then and Now
Great work with learning about habitats!
Now take this quiz to see what you now know.
Well done and you are now ready to start
your Rich Task activity with your teacher!
Now visit the San Diego Zoo
to play some fun animal games!
Visit the San Diego Zoo here!