2.  Your child will engage in the study of how animals adapt and survive in their habitats. The different habitats that students will explore are: Arctic/polar areas, coral reef, deserts, tropical rainforests, grasslands, woodland/forest or swamps and pond. In order to help students answer the content, unit and essential questions students will: participate in classroom discussions; listen to various read aloud books; conduct independent reading; keep a journal; view videos from united streaming; and work on creating a power point presentation; through the use of a computer and other technological tools. Students will be assessed on their knowledge of the content covered and completion of assignments and projects. These projects will allow students to participate in hands-on experiments and will give them experience to work with others while learning with the Foss Science Kits.

3.  Essential Question : How does our environment affect the way we live?  Unit Questions : › Why is a habitat important to an animal’s survival? › Which habitat would you like to live in? › Why do we need different habitats?  Content Questions : › What is a habitat? › What are the different types of habitats? › What does a habitat provide for the animals that live in it? › Why can’t all animals live and thrive in the same habitat? › How does an animal adapt to their habitat? › How do habitats change?

4.  Students create power point presentations on a specific habitat.

5.  Purpose of KWL Assessment- To gather what students already know about their habitat, what they want to learn about their habitat and (after the unit is finished) what they have learned about their habitat. What do I already know about Rainforests? (Before Unit) What do I want to know about Rainforests? (Before Unit and Possibly During Unit) What did I learn about Rainforests? (After Unit)

6.  Develop a curiosity and interest in the living world around them.  Observe and describe habitats and animals included.  Compare structures and behaviors of different pairs of animals.  Observe interactions of animals with their surroundings.  Communicate observations and comparisons.  Acquire the vocabulary associated with the structure and behavior of animals and their habitats.  Handle animals carefully, and participate in the care and feeding of classroom animals.

7.  I want my students to become more aware of their surroundings.  Increase their knowledge of how animals survive.  Enhance their research, word processing skills, and using microsoft power point.

8. Name: Date: Possible Points Points Earned Follows Project Directions Includes a title slide2 Accurate and Complete Information on all slides 15 Picture on each slide (except credits)3 Use of Powerpoint Appropriate Slide Layout5 Consistent Slide Design5 Appropriate use of Effects5 Presentation Polished Presentation5 Public Speaking Skills (loud clear voice, stand straight and tall, eye-contact) 10 Total: 50 possible Comments:

9. very cold. They have very little plant variety. Most plant growth occurs in the summer. Plants, such as mosses, lichens, flowers, grasses, and small shrubs During the winter months it is mostly dark with only moonlight, and in the summer months there is up to 24 hours of daylight. Several animals- reindeer, rabbits, foxes, seals, and penguins- stay after the growing season because of their thick fur and fat insulated bodies. Other animals migrate or hibernate.

10. Deserts are dry with extreme temperature ranges. During the day it is very hot, whereas the nights are very cold. Most deserts are covered with sand. Most plants have ways to conserve the moisture and are able to go long periods without water. Animals that live in the desert have adapted dry, hot environment. Some animals that live in a desert environment are scorpions, lizards, and rabbits.

11. hot and humid. They have lots of plant growth. Many of the animals that live in the rainforest are colorful, to match the many variety of flowers. Many animals are also tree dwellers, moving across the tree canopy rather than traveling on the ground.

12. moving bodies of water that can be found in cold and warm areas. They can be fast or slow moving. The banks are abundant with plants and many animals use the plants for food and shelter. The animals that live in the swamp are very adapted to a water environment, for example fish, crayfish, snakes, and insects.

13. warm temperatures. thick plant growth trees are tall, reaching for sunlight. Some plants found in swamps are Cypress trees, ferns, and water lilies. The animals that live in the swamp are very adapted to a water environment, for example alligators, turtles, ducks, and egrets.