Unit Plan 28 (Grade K Science): Comparing Habitats

Focus: Explore forests, deserts, oceans, and arctic habitats using models to show how living things’ needs match the places they live.

Grade Level: K

Subject Area: Science (Life Science • Earth & Space Science Applications)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students explore four major habitats—forest, desert, ocean, and arctic—and learn that plants, animals, and humans have the same basic needs (food, water, shelter, space), but they meet those needs in different ways depending on the place they live. Using pictures, simple texts, and hands-on materials, students build and revise habitat models (dioramas or map models) that show what the habitat is like and which organisms can live there. The week ends with a “Habitat Museum” gallery walk where students explain the relationship between needs and place using evidence from observations.

Essential Questions

• How are habitats the same and different (forest, desert, ocean, arctic)?
• What do living things need to survive, and how do habitats help meet those needs?
• How can a model show which organisms can live in a habitat and why?
• How can we use evidence (pictures, observations, facts) to explain our thinking?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Identify and describe basic features of four habitats: forest, desert, ocean, and arctic (plants, water, temperature, land/water).
2. Name the basic survival needs of living things (food, water, shelter, space) and match needs to habitat features.
3. Use picture/text evidence to explain why a plant or animal can live well in one habitat but not another.
4. Build a simple model (diorama, map model, or labeled scene) showing an organism’s needs and the habitat that meets them.
5. Share a clear explanation using key terms (habitat, needs, model) and at least one piece of evidence.

Standards Alignment — Grade K (NGSS-Aligned)

• K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
  • Example: Create a habitat model showing that a polar animal needs cold conditions and specific food sources found in the arctic.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can tell what a habitat is and name four habitats: forest, desert, ocean, and arctic.
• I can name needs (food, water, shelter, space) and explain how a habitat helps living things meet those needs.
• I can build a model that shows habitat features and at least one living thing that belongs there.
• I can explain my model using evidence from pictures, facts, or observations.