Hunt for Habitats Lesson Plan

Grades: 3-4
Length of Program: 1 - 1 ½ hours
Time of Year: Spring, summer, fall
Preferred Adult/ Student Ratio: 1/5

Summary:

What is a habitat? After a quick review of what components make up a habitat, our Naturalists will take you on a hike around the Horicon Marsh Goose Pond to find out what animals live in the marsh. Your students will also learn how everyone can co-exist together in this relatively small place and still manage to raise a family.

Teacher Preparation:

Review the concept of habitat

Academic Standards Addressed:

Environmental Education
B1.4.4 List the components of an ecosystem
B1.4.5 Describe natural and human-built ecosystems in Wisconsin DNR
B1.4.6 Cite examples of how different organisms adapt to their habitat

Special Instructions:

Please make sure students are dressed appropriately

Materials:

• Mammal Pelts of Marsh Mammals

Procedure:

Review with the class the components of a habitat. Take them on a hike around the goose pond and through the woods exploring the different habitats and the plants and animals that use them. Along the way, pull out mammal pelts and discuss the life histories, adaptations, and positions in the food web of these animals.

Wrap-up:

Ask the students how they can help build and preserve habitat for the plants and animals that live near them.

Contact Information

Bill Volkert
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area
N7728 Hwy 28
Horicon, WI 53032
(920) 387-7860

Questions for Wildlife Management