A good piece of detective work requires physical evidence, information gathering and critical thinking to solve a case. In this adventurous activity students become investigators who must decipher the mystery of how plants and animals are linked in a food chain. As they explore the school grounds hunting for nature's clues and research a chosen plant or animal, pupils will learn how energy flows through the trophic levels of a food chain while developing science skills in observation, data collection, inquiry and analysis. This outdoor learning experience connects students to their natural surroundings while inspiring an understanding of the importance of biodiversity in maintaining a healthy, sustainable Earth.
This Grade K-4 activity involves students in an authentic outdoor survey that reinforces Science lessons examining needs of plants and animals, interdependence and energy flow in food chains/webs. Pupils also explore nature from the context of understanding relationships between producers, consumers and decomposers as they categorize living things as plants or animals and become aware of abiotic and biotic habitat components. Practicing essential science skills such as observation, analysis and communication is also a key feature of the learning experience.
This activity could be extended with a visit to another local habitat such as a wetland or forest to document and describe connections between various plant and animal species. Working in partnership with a naturalist group, a class could even create a simple community field guide that informs others about biodiversity by featuring interesting local flora and fauna and information about how citizens can be involved in conservation.
The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.