Is This Habitat For Me? - Part 2 (of 3)

Pamela Miller

Grade level: 4
Provincial curriculum links:     Ontario
Subject:       Science and Technology
Keywords:   earthworm, population, habitat, environmental conditions

Description

Students answer the question "Where in the schoolyard will you find the greatest number of earthworms?" This is lesson 2 out of a total of 3 lessons.

Curriculum Framework

See Part 1

Preparation

Preparation Time:

10 minutes

Length of lesson:

45-75 minutes

5 min Introduction to Environmental Conditions
10 min Research Proposal
30 min Making drawings and captions
10 min Sharing and group conclusions
30 min Concept Mapping

Resources required:

Per Research Team

Soil thermometer
Soil Moisture meter
measuring spoon
Paper towel
pH paper or meter
250 ml measuring cup
lg container of water
large coffee can
stop watch
set of paint colour strips for soil colours
set of sand paper squares-variety of grades on binder ring
Data Collection Sheet Pencil (1 per data sheet)
Clipboard
Research Proposal

Teacher Resources (same as Part 1)

Chart paper and markers or black/white board with chalk/markers
Class Data Collection Sheet
Area markers/pylons or map to indicate study areas
Resources re: earthworms
Pictures of or real objects of aquarium with living creature, nest, drinking glass and water, mouldy fruit, potted plant, schoolyard.

Procedure

Have the class choose one environmental condition that may have the largest impact on the population of worms in the schoolyard. Work with the class to complete a Research Proposal, to conduct the research.

Record results from study plots on Class "Is this a Habitat for Me?" chart.

Have students design and conduct simple scientific investigations for each of the remaining environmental conditions, to determine which environmental condition(s) have the greatest impact on the population of earthworms. Research Teams could each take on one of the remaining conditions.

Have students complete a Research Proposal for each study and to submit to you and peers for review and planning purposes. Continue to record results.

Student Assessment and Evaluation

See Part 3

Enrichment and Extension Activities

Ask students to change the focus from worm populations to other soil dwellers, macro and/or microscopic. Design and conduct simple scientific investigations regarding their habitats and populations in the schoolyard.
Design the ideal school yard, balancing the needs of students and student activities but also of earthworms and their habitats.

Educator Notes

Although combining Parts 1 & 2 into one field work session will maximize time outside, it is recommended to complete the field work over a number of days.

Part 3 gives the background necessary for the literacy activity "Postcards from the Perfect Plot"

References/Resources

The Schoolyard Ecosystem, Mid-Hudson Urban Ecosystem Studies Project
Soil Dweller Experiment, Mike Schneider, Students in a Project Learning Approach to Schoolyard Habitat Development, http://web.stclair.k12.il.us

This exercise is adapted from Teaching in the Outdoor Classroom, Evergreen/TDSB Summer Institute, 2007, 82 pages.
Submitted by: Pamela Miller

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