LESSON 1 – Habitats
Aims
To understand main features of habitats and how organisms are adapted to survive there.
Learning Objectives
Pupils should Know/be able to:
3/1a - that different habitats have different features
3/1b - that different habitats support different organisms
3/1c - that the distribution of organisms in different habitats is affected by environmental factors, eg
light, nutrients or water availability
3/1d - to organise, sequence and link what they say so listeners can follow it
3/1e - focus on accurate use of scientific vocabulary (HSW)
POSSIBLE ACTIVITIES
Activity 1 Objectives 3/1a & 3/1e
Ask pupils about environments or habitats they have studied previously and generate some
examples on board eg Arctic, woodland life, desert, pond. Ask the pupils to describe the physical
features of each habitat and identify major environmental factors, eg light intensity, oxygen
availability, temperature range.
Use Spectrum biology p25 as resource to make notes of main features.
Activity 2 Objectives 3/1b, 3/1c, 3/1d & 3/1e
With pupils, decide on a limited list of animal and plant species for each habitat and ask them, in
groups, to investigate how species are adapted to life in one habitat and to present their findings to
the class – newsprint paper, using crayons and board pens.
Spectrum Biology p26 gives an example of two habitats and their environmental conditions found
there, and some adaptations for burrowing eg streamlined or cylindrical shape, strong legs, clawed
feet, good sense of smell.
Spectrum Biology p27 (Qs 4 & 5) provides cues to help them think about different adaptations and
why they are important for the organism. You could also use internet to help with research.
Activity 3 Objectives 3/1e
Present ideas to class - Remind pupils of the importance of making sure listeners can follow their
argument.
Risk Assessment.
Normal lab
Suggested Homework Tasks
Worksheet U3.1W1 Why are there no camels?
Resources: Lesson 1
Activity
1
2
3
Resources required
Spectrum Biology
Newsprint paper
Marker pens
U3.1W1 Why are there no camels?