What Makes Something Alive - Virginia Department of Education

Topic 3: Session 3.10 – Square-Meter Habitats: Observations 2, 3, & 4
Session Supplies:
• Schoolyard Map (pg. 106)
• Graphic Organizer for Square-Meter Habitat Data Collections (pg. 107)
• Looking at the Square-Meter Habitat Data (pg. 108-109)
• Equipment to make observations of the groups‟ square-meter habitats
o Square-Meter Habitat Group Record sheet – group record sheet from Topic 3, Session 8
(pg. 100)
o Meter sticks with string taped to them to define again the groups‟ square-meter habitats
o Thermometers
o Magnifying glasses
o Pencils for recording data
Session Virginia SOL
2.1
2.5 a, b, c
2.7 a
2.8 b, c
Science English Mathematics History & Social Science
2.3 a, b, c, d, e 2.1 a
2.6
2.4 a
2.17
2.18
2.19
Session 3.10 – Square-Meter Habitats: Observations 2, 3, & 4
Teacher Questions & Notes
Procedures
NOTE: This session will take a minimum of three session
times to complete.
1. Review the lesson (Topic 3, Session 3.8) about square meters
and the first observation that each group made in their square
meter on the schoolyard.
2. Discuss the differences between the observation sites each group
selected and observed.
-What elements need to be on a map?
-What symbols should we use for each
item on our schoolyard (e.g.,
playground, grassy areas, blacktop)?
3. Tell the students that they will make a simple map of the
schoolyard to show where each of the square-meter habitat sites
is located. Hand out a Schoolyard Map sheet (pg. 106) to each
student.
a. As a class, complete the map title, compass rose, and legend.
b. As a class, identify several landmarks on the schoolyard that
all students will add to their map (e.g., specific trees,
playground equipment, storage sheds). As a class, determine
a symbol for each of the landmarks. Remind them that the
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Virginia Animals and their Habitats
Topic3