Hands-On Habitat Observation

A habitat is a place shared by certain species of plants and animals. I'll use any excuse to find a way to study the balance of plants and animals in different natural settings. Take a walk along a woods road after a storm or study your lawn at first light. Some of the best opportunities to observe nature are right under your nose.
You can keep a written journal, take photos or use your webcam to record changes, or simply create a project like this one to enhance your knowledge and observation skills.
Materials:
Poster board at least 18x24 inches
Scissors
Pencil
Photos or pictures of plants and animals for each habitat
GlueTypes of Habitats:
Grasslands
Wetlands
Forests
Deserts
TundraProcedure:
1. Draw a large pyramid on your poster board
2. Choose one of the habitats listed above
3. Cut out or draw pictures of the plants and animals for that habitat
4. Put all the plants at the BASE of the pyramid
5. Put the animals that eat those plants on the NEXT LEVEL of the pyramid
6. Put the animals that eat those plant-eating animals on the NEXT LEVEL of the pyramid
7. Put the animals that eat those animals at the TOP of the pyramid
8. Repeat this activity for a different habitat
The role of the plants:
They produce their own food (look up "photosynthesis")
They provide ground cover and shelter, as well as food
They "breathe in" carbon dioxide and "breathe out" oxygen
Challenge:
Where can you find a healthy example of each kind of habitat?
Where can you find a changing habitat? What is causing the change?
What happened to the plants and animals in the changing habitat? Did new species replace old ones?
JJ Murphy is a freelance writer who helps companies, small businesses and individuals to express their awareness and dedication to developing sustainable technology and to preserve our natural resources. She writes articles for natural magazines, hiking publications, simple living publications in print and online. She also creates curricula to help public schools home schooling groups, private schools, wilderness camps, adult learning groups, and continuing education programs stretch and expand their students’ knowledge.
She holds a Master of Arts degree from the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas and a B.A. degree in English and Anthropology from the University of Connecticut. Her client list includes writers, business consultants, motivational speakers, psychologists, financial planners, educators, and politicians.
Visit her website http://www.WriterByNature.com for articles, wild food recipes and for more information, including JJ's favorite places for gear and supplies.
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