Unit Plan 15 (Grade 2 Science): Habitats Around Us
Second graders compare plant and animal diversity across ponds, forests, grasslands, deserts, and oceans using visuals, data charts, and simple texts.
Focus: Compare plant and animal diversity in different habitats such as ponds, forests, grasslands, deserts, and oceans/coasts using pictures, videos, and simple texts.
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: Science (Life Science • Inquiry & Observation Skills)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 30–45 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students explore habitats beyond the schoolyard, learning that different places on Earth—such as ponds, forests, grasslands, deserts, and oceans/coasts—have different kinds of plants and animals. Even if they cannot visit all of these places in person, students use photos, short videos, and simple maps to make observations and compare the diversity of life in each habitat.
Students practice noticing what kinds of living things appear in each habitat and how those lists change from place to place. By the end of the week, students can explain that different habitats support different sets of plants and animals, directly addressing 2-LS4-1.
Essential Questions
- What is a habitat, and what are some habitats found on Earth?
- What kinds of plants and animals live in ponds, forests, grasslands, deserts, and oceans/coasts?
- How can we compare the diversity of life (how many different kinds of living things) in different habitats?
- Why is it important to understand and protect different habitats around us and around the world?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Name and describe at least four habitats (e.g., pond, forest, grassland, desert, ocean/coast).
- Make observations (from pictures, videos, or books) of plants and animals living in each habitat.
- Use tally charts, picture charts, or simple lists to show different kinds of plants and animals found in each habitat.
- Compare which habitats have more or fewer kinds of living things (diversity) and describe at least one difference.
- Create a simple Habitat Comparison Poster or mini-book that shows how the diversity of life changes from one habitat to another.
- Share one idea for why it is important to take care of many different habitats on Earth.
Standards Alignment — 2nd Grade (NGSS-Aligned)
- 2-LS4-1 — Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.
- In this unit, “different habitats” include ponds, forests, grasslands, deserts, and oceans/coasts, using visuals and texts to support observation.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can name different habitats (like pond, forest, grassland, desert, ocean/coast).
- I can observe and describe some plants and animals that live in each habitat.
- I can use charts or lists to show different kinds of living things in different habitats.
- I can say which habitat has more kinds of plants and animals and explain one way they are different.
- I can share one way people can help protect habitats and the living things that live there.