KS3 SCIENCE
Curriculum link: Interactions and
Interdependencies (Relationships in an
ecosystem)
HABITAT ZONES LESSON PLAN
Introduce students to different habitat zones of Galapagos. This section explains how environmental
conditions shape the nature of habitat zones and the ecosystem that form in them as a result.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
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Resources required: Key Words handout, Habitat Zones presentation, Blank Habitat Zones diagram,
internet connection
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FIRE STARTER
Provide students with the ‘key words’ handout.
They should match the key word to its
accompanying definition. They should also fill in
their own definition, where one is not provided. This
should reinforce prior learning, as well as
introducing new key words.
1.
GAINING GROUND
Explain to students that there are a range of habitat
zones in the Galapagos. These habitat zones are
differentiated due to environmental factors, which
ultimately lead to differentiated ecosystems as a
result. Students can explore this using the habitat
zones presentation.
2.
3. MAKING WAVES
Using the ‘blank habitat zones’ diagram test students’
knowledge of each zone. They should correctly identify
each zone in relation to one another. They should also
refer to environmental factors, species and temporal
change.
STUDENTS’ OUTCOMES
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4. FUTURE FOCUS
With reference to the ‘Animals & Plants of Galapagos’
chapter on the Discovering Galapagos website and
the species index, students should explain how some
species are better adapted to live in some habitat
zones than others. Students could annotate the blank
illustration of Galapagos habitat zones to show where
animal and plant species would live and for what
reasons.
A RESOURCE BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE GALAPAGOS CONSERVATION TRUST (REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1043470) AND THE ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY (WITH IBG)
To know that Galapagos has a diverse
range of habitat zones.
To understand why different
ecosystems form in different habitat
zones.
To appreciate that habitat zones are
not clearly delineated and are always
changing.
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.
To give an example of the different
habitat zones found in Galapagos.
To explain how and why habitat
zones are different from one another.
Students should refer to
environmental factors, as well as the
species found in the habitat zone.
To discuss the seasonal and longterm change of habitat zones and
their ecosystems.