Habits and Habitats
A Classrooms Unleashed Program
for Third Grade Students
“This is the best interactive and hands-on science curriculum I’ve ever seen brought into the schools.”
Throughout this unit, students investigate why the deer in Nevada have been disappearing. Students learn about habitats, survival of organisms, and patterns of environmental change through hands-on activities. In addition, students participate in a field study at one of our local parks to explore real-world examples of how environmental changes affect organisms.
All of our lessons are backward designed from Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core for third grade. In addition to the Sierra Nevada Journeys-led lessons, classroom teachers will be provided with 3-4 easy-to-use learning experiences to reinforce concepts and vocabulary.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Classroom Lesson: THE CASE OF THE DISAPPEARING DEER
Students become ecologists and are introduced to the mystery of disappearing deer in Nevada. They explore images of deer, looking for evidence of what deer need to survive, and for potential threats or dangers that may be causing the decline. Students will also engage in an active simulation to demonstrate the impact of environmental change on deer survival.
Additionally, students spend time compiling and analyzing the information they’ve learned about what deer need to survive and what might make it difficult to survive, to bring closure to the mystery of the disappearing deer. Students learn about strategies for improving or protecting the habitats of deer and other animals and will create a habitat restoration plan designed to support deer survival.
OUtdoors at a Local Nature Area: ECOLOGISTS IN THE FIELD
During the field study, students explore local ecosystem connections at a nearby park. Through games and activities designed to hone observation and critical thinking skills, students act as ecologists in the field, looking for evidence of environmental change in an effort to solve the mystery of the shrinking deer population.
TEACHER INFORMATION
NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS
3-LS4-4
COMMON CORE
ELA: W.3.1b, SL.3.1, W.3.8, RI.3.3