Homes and
Habitats

1st grade fall unit

revised June 20, 2007

Unit goals

In kindergarten the students were first introduced to all the fascinating things there are to explore in nature with their senses. This year they learn that nature isn't just a random occurrence of living and non-living things but that plants and animals have certain habitats where they like to live and features to help them find all that they need to survive.

This unit is specifically designed to address appropriate AAAS Project 2061 benchmarks as well as first grade Minnesota Academic Science Standards IIa, IVb, IVd, IVf, and IVg. E-mail here for more information.

-- Summary Box --

Before your visit, please review with your students ...

Last year's visits to River Bend, focusing on sensory exploration (Senses page).
Habitat as a place where a plant or animal can find all that it needs to survive.
The difference between a home and a habitat.
Adaptations are features that allow animals to survive in their habitat.
Some signs that indicate an animals presence in a habitat.
Some of the different habitats at River Bend.
Behavior expectations during the visit.

At River Bend ...

During the introduction we will review the above material.
We will divide each class in half (maximum of 4 groups; assuming normal size classes, classes of less than 15 will likely not be divided)
Each group will proceed onto the trails and off the trails where each group will explore the woods and prairie to discover signs of animals, what those animals might be, and why they live in those habitats.
Take digital photos to "record" signs of animals using their habitat.
To encourage discovery and interest, students will be given significant freedom to free-explore, as conditions and behaviors permit, under the guidance of a naturalist.
In the closing we will ...
- inquire about discoveries on the trail
- review a specific animal and its adaptations to a habitat
- remind the students of their next visit
- talk of upcoming events at River Bend
- invite the students to return on their own with family and friends

Back in the classroom ...

Review the digital photo CD of the week's "records" with the students. Perhaps print them out and make a poster for food, water, shelter, and space.
Encourage the students to share their experiences and new understanding of habitats through words or art.
Encourage the students to explore their own neighborhoods and school yards for animal signs.

What is a habitat?

A habitat is more than just a home. It is that certain area where an animal prefers to live and can find everything that it needs.

What do animals need in their habitat to survive?

The needs of every animal are unique, however, every animal has four basic requirements to live.

Food All creatures need to eat plants or other animals for food
Water Some may not drink from visible water, but get water in their food
Shelter The actual home where an animal most often rests, avoids harsh weather, and/or raises young.
Space Needs to be in an suitable arrangement, not too many of some things or not enough of others.

(Note that "air" is sometimes mentioned but isn't one of the "official four" as it is considered omnipresent and can cause confusion when discussing underwater and underground habitats.)

How is a home different from a habitat?

Animal homes are specific places within their habitat where an animal lives such as a den, nest, or burrow. Not all animals use a true home during every time of the year, but would still need appropriate shelter against harsh weather. For example, birds use nests just to raise young, not for year-around shelter, and bison use the rest of the herd for shelter and never actually "build" a home.

What are some of the habitats at River Bend?

Woods both young and old
Prairie
Pond, river, marsh, stream, etc. (spring follow-up unit)
Underground tunnels and caverns

What are some signs we can find that tell us an animal is living in a habitat?

Homes Dens, burrows, hollow logs, galls, nests, etc.
Tracks and Trails Found in mud, sand, or snow
Feeding signs Chew marks on plants, animal remains
Sounds Bird songs, animals running away or sounding alarm
Body parts Feathers, fur, antlers, shells, skins, etc.
Droppings Scat can tell the type of animal and what it has eaten

What is an Adaptation?

An adaptation is a special feature of an animal (or plant) that helps it to survive in their habitat. For example, owls have wings and hollow bones for flying, colors for camouflage, beaks and claws for eating mice, special feathers for stealth, and excellent eyes and ears for finding prey.

What will we see at River Bend?

You never know what you'll find when you go exploring at River Bend. While here, your class will take pictures of what you find to use later, but here are som photos to get you started!

We will begin the visit in the new Big Woods Amphitheater

Explore into the woods
What animals might live under that log or leaves?

Venture onto the prairie
How is this place different from a woods?

White-tailed deer
How do they sense danger?
How do they stay warm?
How can they run fast?

Chipmunk
How does it sense danger?
Why does it have a tail?
Why does it have those colors?

Animal signs
What animal could make this?
What features do animals need to be such good diggers?

Dead trees
What do some birds have that help them peck holes in trees to find food?

Mushrooms are one type of food source
What animals might eat these?
Where do mushrooms like to grow?

Insects love prairie flowers
What insects might we find here and why?
How could an insect hide on these flowers?

The Straight River
Why would animals in the area find this river important?

Ponds with floating docks
What special features must animals have to live in or on the water?

Animals drinking, finding food, or bathing in water
What do you think these birds are doing?

What do we need to remember when we visit River Bend?

The quieter you are, the more animals you'll probaby see.
Wear a name tag so we can get to know you better.
Listen to your leader.
Raise your hand if you have something to say.
Do not pick anything unless given permission.
Stay with your group and on the trail unless your leader tells you differently.
Be nice to nature - and to each other!

Some suggested pre- or post-visit activities

Send us your ideas here!

Introduce the key concepts by showing pictures like those above to your students on your classroom monitor. Ask questions about the pictures.
There are many, many good animal books that showcase how they live in their habitats. Ask you school librarian for help.
Let the students bring in stuffed animals (realistic or not!) and have the kids describe their various adaptations for a habitat.
Have the students create new imaginary creatures with drawings or other forms of art, showing special "adaptations" to live in a habitat. Encourage creativity no matter how the critter turns out, and have the student give it a descriptive name.
Search the school yard for animal homes.
Allow the students to Create a Big Woods or Prairie mural, first make the habitat, then add animals where they might live.
Have students complete selected optional worksheets from download packet. Download extended information and optional worksheet packet.

(trouble downloading? click here)

Interesting links