Last updated: March 8, 2019
Lesson Plan
"Incredible Shrinking Habitat" Environment: 4-6 Grade
- Grade Level:
- Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
- Subject:
- Math,Science,Social Studies
- Lesson Duration:
- 60 Minutes
- State Standards:
- Next Generation FLORIDA SUNSHINE STATE STANDARDS
SC.4.L.17
SC.5.L.15
SC.6.L.14
Essential Question
How does a loss of habitat impact wildlife?
Objective
The Florida panther has succumbed to numerous pressures, including loss of habitat, to become a highly endangered species. Access into wilderness areas by road building for drainage canals, and increased development for ranching, lumber, agriculture, mining, oil and gas drilling, housing and recreation all impact the panther habitat. Students will become panthers, deer and vehicles in an active tag-like game to learn about the impact of development.
Background
Our "What's Happening to our Environment" unit is broken into six lesson plans, each taking from 20 minutes to several class periods to complete, and targeted mainly at fourth through sixth grade students. A class needn't complete every lesson in the unit, though some lessons do refer to one another and are better done in sequence. However, each lesson comes with its own set of objectives and resources.
Preparation
Incorporate the Everglades into your lesson planning. In partnership with teachers, we are proud to offer multidisciplinary, curriculum-based activities that bring relevant lessons from the field into the classroom. These materials can be used as pre-site lessons for any in-park field trip. Please click here to view a list of Everglades Curriculum Materials.
Procedure
To request hard copies or digital copies of the following activity guides, please email the Everglades Education Department or call (305) 242-7753.
Vocabulary
Endangered species, population, prey base, limiting factors