Unit Plan 17 (PreK Science): Where Animals Live

Focus: Match animals to homes and habitats (land vs. water) by using pictures, sorting, and simple models to explain, “This animal lives here because it needs food, water, and shelter.”

Grade Level: PreK

Subject Area: Science (Life Science • Earth & Space Science • Inquiry/Play-Based Learning)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 30–40 minutes per session

I. Introduction

This week, children explore the big idea that animals live in different places because they have different needs. Through read-alouds, picture sorting, sensory bins, and small-world play, students compare land and water habitats and match animals to homes like nests, dens, burrows, and ponds. The unit ends with a class “Habitat Museum,” where children explain their habitat model using simple science language and visuals.

Essential Questions

• Where do animals live—on land or in water—and how do we know?
• What is a habitat, and what does it provide for an animal?
• How can we use pictures, models, and observations to explain an animal’s home?
• Why don’t all animals live in the same place?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Identify that animals live in different places such as land or water habitats.
2. Use pictures and models to match animals to a home (e.g., nest, den, burrow, water).
3. Describe at least one reason an animal lives in a certain place using needs language (food, water, shelter).
4. Sort animals into simple groups (land animals vs. water animals) and explain their thinking with support.
5. Create a simple habitat model (diorama or tray scene) and share a short explanation.

Standards Alignment — PreK (NGSS-based custom)

• PK-ESS3-1 — Identify where plants and animals live (land, water).
  • Example: Match animals to habitats and explain, “Fish live in water,” or “Birds live in trees.”

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can tell if an animal lives on land or in water.
• I can match an animal to its home (like a nest or den) using pictures.
• I can say what the habitat gives the animal (food, water, shelter).
• I can build a simple habitat model and talk about it.