Every animal needs a place to call home! In this engaging STEM incursion, students become wildlife explorers as they investigate how different habitats provide animals with the food, water, shelter and space they need to survive. Through coding, problem-solving, construction, virtual reality and creative design, students develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between living things and their environments while working collaboratively to complete five exciting missions.
Mission 1 – Habitat Explorers
Students become wildlife explorers as they investigate where different animals live. Using engaging resources and interactive habitat scenes, they explore clues about animals and their environments before matching animals to the habitats that best meet their needs. Through hands-on discovery and discussion, students learn that different animals depend on particular habitats for food, water, shelter and survival.
Mission 2 – Habitat Builders
Students become habitat designers as they create their own miniature habitat using natural and craft materials. They consider the needs of their chosen animal and carefully include features that provide food, water, shelter and space to survive. Students apply what they have discovered about habitats while creating a special miniature world to take home.
Mission 3 – Virtual Habitat Expedition
Students embark on an immersive virtual reality adventure to explore a range of habitats from around the world. From lush rainforests and arid deserts to frozen polar regions and underwater ecosystems, students observe how animals are uniquely adapted to survive in different environments.
Mission 4 – Life Cycle Lab
Students become wildlife scientists as they investigate fascinating animal specimens up close. Using scientific observation tools, they examine animal features, compare different species and explore how animals grow and change throughout their life cycles. Through hands-on investigation, students uncover fascinating details that are difficult to see with the naked eye.
Students Will
- Identify a range of animal habitats and the living things that inhabit them.
- Explain how habitats provide animals with food, water, shelter and space.
- Design and construct a habitat that meets the needs of a living thing.
- Explore habitats from around the world through immersive virtual reality.
- Strengthen collaboration, creativity and problem-solving skills through hands-on learning.