Tree of Knowledge
Lesson 1

Introduction:
In this lesson students will have the opportunity to research various habitats and the land use issues that affect them.

Objective:
The students will:
participate in the research process
identify and describe the various components of a particular biome
understand the issues facing a particular biome.

Time Allotment:
This project can be completed in ten 45 minute periods.

Materials:
books (as many as possible representing the various biomes), paper, pencils, construction paper and/or roll paper for displays, masking tape, markers, glue

Teaching Outline:

1. Conduct a class discussion on biomes. What is a biome, what are its components, where are they, and any other questions the students may have.
   
2. Explain the research process and what is expected of each group- pass out Tree of Knowledge assignment.
   
3. Divide class into groups based on biomes.
   
4. Provide class time for students to complete their research.
   
5. Provide class time for the construction and hanging of trees.
   
6. Schedule groups to present their biome to the class.

Tree of Knowledge

Facts and information are what you'll find as you research you biome. What to do with this new found knowledge is the key! Each group will create its own tree of knowledge. Choose a tree or other plant that is appropriate for your biome. Create the tree in the room, then add knowledge to the tree for all to see. Information should include climate, plants, animals, important issues facing you biome, and anything else you find that is integral to your biome.
The trees should be completed by and ready for presentation to the class so that we may all share the gift of knowledge. You will be graded on the abundance of information you provide, as well as creativity, mechanics, and effort.
Enjoy your time to expand horizons, but keep in mind, you must stay on task in order to complete your work.

Environmental Vision
Lesson 2

Introduction:
In this lesson students will have the opportunity to write about the environmental issues affecting their biome.

Objective:
The students will:

1. participate in the research process
   
2. describe the issues facing a particular biome
   
3. synthesize the information to create their own book.

Time Allotment:
This project may be completed in five 45 minute periods.

Materials:
books (as many as possible representing the various biomes), paper, pencils, construction paper, colored pencils, markers, glue, computer (optional)

Teaching Outline:

1. Conduct a class discussion about environmental issues. How people effect biomes and what can be done to help save them.
   
2. Explain the writing process and what is expected of each group- Pass out Environmental Vision assignment.
   
3. Provide class time for students to complete their research.
   
4. Provide class time for the publishing of books.

Environmental Vision
Now that you've completed your Tree of Knowledge, it's time to take you information and write a book complete with illustrations. Your mission is to explain in an accurate and entertaining manner the issues that effect your biome and what people can do to help save, restore, or prevent further damage. It's important that your information is well documented (research from books, not created out of thin air) so that others will learn from your book.
You will work as a group to complete this creation. The style and form are up to each group. (Short stories nonfiction, or poems, as long as the facts are evident.) You may divide the work or work together, however, the book must be one cohesive unit.
Books must be completed by . Each group should prepare several books, one for the teacher to keep as a classroom copy, and one for each member of the group who would like to keep a copy. Grades will be based on accuracy and evidence of factual information, mechanics, creativity, and effort. Enjoy you time to write and create, but keep in mind, you must stay on task in order to complete your work.

Create a Biome
Lesson 3

Introduction:
In this lesson students will have the opportunity to create a miniature biome based on their research.

Objective:
The students will:

1. create a biome in the classroom
   
2. help to acquire the materials required for their biome
   
3. understand the needs of the biome and maintain it accordingly

Time Allotment:
This project is ongoing until the plants are either sent home or donated to an appropriate organization.

Materials:
books (as many as possible representing the various biomes), journals, pencils, plants appropriate for each biome-have students find places to purchase their plants, some will be willing to donate clippings, soil, greenhouse, aquariums, other appropriate containers for holding plants, watering cans and spritzer bottles, space for each biome in the room

Teaching Outline:

1. Conduct a class discussion on the care, maintenance, and responsibility of growing plants.
   
2. Explain what is expected of each group-Pass out Create a Biome assignment
   
3. Provide class time for students to locate plants
   
4. Provide class time for the construction of biome homes.
   
5. Provide class time for planting and maintenance of biomes.

Create a Biome

It's time to put your knowledge to work by creating a miniature biome in the classroom. This biome requires the following:

1. Choose plants from your biome that can be grow within the classroom.
   
2. Design you biome to fit in the classroom.
   
3. Create a list of materials needed to build a home for your biome.
   
4. Gather materials and build your biome.
   
5. Use the phone book to find places that carry your plants.
   
6. Call to check for availability and cost.
   
7. Arrange to have your plants picked-up.
   
8. Plant your plants in their biome.
   
9. Begin your log showing when and how you care for your biome.
   
10. Arrange for a future home for your biome.

Grades will be based on time and effort taken to complete and maintain this project as well as your log.

Bird House
Lesson 4

Introduction:
In this lesson students will have the opportunity to research a bird's home from their biome.

Objective:
The students will:

1. participate in the research process
   
2. identify and describe the various components of a particular birds home
   
3. create a suitable home for the bird

Time Allotment:
This project can be completed in two 45 minute periods.

Materials:
books (as many as possible representing the various birds), paper, pencils, student provided recycled materials for bird houses, masking tape, markers, glue, string to hang homes with

Teaching Outline:

1. Conduct a class discussion on birds and their basic needs in nest or homes.
   
2. Explain the assignment and what is expected of each group (students may choose to work individually in order to cover more than one bird from a biome)-Pass out Bird House assignment.
   
3. Provide class time for students to complete their research.
   
4. Provide class time for construction and hanging bird houses.

Bird House

Some of the many creatures that live in the biome you've studied are birds. Their homes come in wide variety of shapes and sizes that fit each bird family's needs. Your mission is to complete the following:

1. Choose a bird from your environment.
   
2. Research the needs of the bird in its home.
   
3. Build a house that best fits those needs using recycled products.
   
4. Write a brief report explaining the house and its design for your bird.

Name turned in on time /10 completed house /40 content of report /40 spelling and mechanics /10 Total /100

Birds
Lesson 5

Introduction:
In this lesson students will have the opportunity to research a bird from their biome.

Objective:
The students will:

1. participate in the research process
   
2. identify and describe the various components of a particular bird
   
3. understand the basic characteristics of a bird and its lifestyle

Time Allotment:
This project can be completed in three 45 minute periods.

Materials:
books (as many as possible representing the various birds), paper, pencils, poster board or role paper for displays, masking tape, markers, glue, colored pencils

Teaching Outline:

1. Conduct a class discussion on bird life including the vocabulary associated with birds and how they are all related.
   
2. Explain what is expected of each group/individual-Pass out Birds assignment.
   
3. Provide class time for students to complete their research.
   
4. Provide class time for the construction and hanging of posters.
   
5. Schedule groups to present their biome to the class.

Birds

Create a poster for the bird that lives in the house you built. Following is a list of information that should be included in your poster:

1. Picture of bird
   
2. Name of bird
   
3. Bird family
   
4. Description of bird-size, color, how beak works, and other unique characteristics
   
5. Habitat
   
6. Food chain-what it eats and what eats it
   
7. How it finds food-gather, hunt
   
8. Endangered? --if so, what's being done to protect it?
   
9. Nesting-materials, location
   
10. Mating rituals
    
11. Migration
    
12. Why the house you built is the best design for the bird

Name
Turned in on time /10 inclusion of all information /40 presentation /30 spelling and mechanics /20 Total /100