SS3

Grade 3, Social Studies
Std 3: Identify the components of various ecosystems.
• Identifying ways in which humans alter the physical environment

Lesson Plans:

Be a Geography Detective
Students will apply the six "essential elements" of geography (location, places and regions, physical systems, human systems, environment and society, and uses of geography) as they make in-depth observations and draw conclusions about historical landscapes. They will demonstrate understanding by writing journal entries, sketching landscapes, and making mental maps.

Science NetLinks: Investigating Local Ecosystems
Students will investigate the habitats of local plants and animals and explore some of the ways animals depend on plants and each other.

Lesson Plans - Eco-Cycle: Finding the Parts of an Ecosystem
Students will use the Eco-Cycle Station to introduce students to ecosystems in Hawaii, as well as the plants and animals that make up the ecosystems. Students will seek out the key animals and plants as they read about the ecosystems. May be adapted to Alabama.

The Great Kapok Tree: A Social Studies Lesson Students will demonstrate an understanding of the interdependence of animals, people and plants in the rainforest by participating in an ecosystem simulation.

Resources:

What's It Like Where You Live?: Lots of information on each biome and ecosystem. (Could be used with Smartboard)

National Geographic Geography Action: Habitat links with photographs. (Could be used with Smartboard)

National Geographic News: Current articles about environment issues.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: A good variety of environmental information.

Welcome to EcoKids!: This innovative, interactive environmental education web site for children, families, and educators is loaded with information and includes interactive, fun, educational games and activities that utilize participants' willingness to learn. Kids are encouraged to form their own opinions, make decisions, get involved and understand the impact their own actions have on the environment. (Good for Smartboard)

Real World Science: Ecosystems and Biomes: This program takes students on a journey to different types of biomes around the globe, from tropical rain forests, to mountains, deserts and the ocean. United Streaming.

Ecosystems: Interdependence: Students explore interdependence and balance in an ecosystem using an aquarium, an experiment with nails and owl pellets. The ease with which this balance can be disrupted is discussed. United Streaming.

Ecosystems: Nature in Balance: This program teaches students one of the most fundamental concepts in nature -- ecosystems exist in a delicate state of balance. The beautifully filmed nature footage in this program shows how plants and animals interact with each other and their environment. United Streaming.

Ecosystems: Humans in the Ecosystem: Part of the Distance Learning Science series, this video uses observation and experimentation to discover the causes and effects of pollution, energy trade-offs and acid rain. United Streaming.

Suggestions for English Language Learners:
(E/B=Entering/Beginning, D=Developing, E=Expanding)

(E/B) Students draw, select, or label pictures of animals or plants (such as at the zoo or on a farm).
(E/B) Students match pictures of animals or plants and their habitats or characteristics (i.e. "Birds live in nests.").
(E/B) Students draw, label (and possibly describe) features of their community or region (such as location, people, places, or resources).
(D) Students compare/contrast their community with another one (in relation to location, people, places, resources, history or government).
(D) Students describe features of animals or plants from visual prompts (i.e. "Dogs bark. Birds fly.").
(D) Create a multi-flow map to show cause-effect.
(D) Describe how changes in the community affect a student personally.
(E) Students describe their community in relation to its state or region (regarding location, people, places, resources, history or government).
(E) Students debate advantages and disadvantages of future advances.
(E) Students describe favorite animals or plants and defend their choice.
(E/B, D, E) Students start a recycling bin as per teacher directions.

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