Grasslands Habitats
Information About This Unit
Description of Learning Unit:
In this unit, the student will learn about unique grasslands habitats. They will discover that grasslands have certain defining characteristics, but that there are different variations throughout the world. This unit introduces the terms that are used to describe grasslands on different continents, such as savannah, prairie, and pampas. Children will also learn about the variety of plants and animals that make the grasslands their home and the characteristics that help them thrive there. This unit should take one week to complete, depending on how many days a week you do science.
List of Objectives:
- Learn the basic characteristics of the world's grasslands, including the relative amount of rainfall and vegetation.
- Discover where grasslands are located throughout the world and learn the different names applied to these habitats on different continents.
- Explore the basic vegetation found in these habitats, including the mixed grasses and flowers and why these plants thrive in this environment.
- Know what animals are found in grassland habitats and how these species are supported by the unique environment found there.
List of Materials and Supplies Needed for This Pathway:
- An aquarium or gallon glass jar
- Potting soil
- Sand
- Charcoal for house plants
- Purchased or collected plants
- Wildflower seed mix containing grasses
- Printer supplies
- Paper
- Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
- Scissors
- Glue
- A printer and basic printing supplies
- A posterboard
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers
- A shoe box
- Plastic wrap
- Markers
- Waterbased paint
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Tape
- Pictures of animlas or small play animals you have around the home
- Crayons
- Grasses from outside or pictures of the different grasses you need
- Magazines, hand-drawn pictures, or clip art to be used as the pictures you need
- Clay
- Pipe cleaners
- Fabric and anything else you can think of!
Printables:
- Basic printer supplies
- Colored pencils
Links to Free Learning Material
Links to Online Lessons:
| What are Grasslands? | 64% | (1 votes) |
This site provides a basic introduction to the characteristics of a grasslands habitat.
| Plants in the Grasslands | (no rating) |
This site has an introduction to the dominant plants found in the world's grassland habitats.
| Meet the Animals of the Grasslands | (no rating) |
This site provides an overview of the animals that live in grassland habitats.
Reference Websites:
| What is a Grassland? | (no rating) |
This site provides a basic introduction to the characteristics of the grasslands biome.
| Where are the World's Grasslands? | (no rating) |
This site provides a good general world map showing where grasslands are located throughout the world.
| Different Names, Same Biome | (no rating) |
This site is another introduction to grasslands and includes explanations of the different terms used to describe the biome throughout the world, along with information on the animals that live in this biome.
Hands-On Projects and Activities:
| Mini Grasslands Habitat | 73% | (1 votes) |
This site provides directions for creating a mini grasslands habitat in a terrarium.
| Grassland Birds | (no rating) |
Draw a grassland and show some birds that live there.
| Prairie Animals | (no rating) |
Learn about prairie animals as you make a poster of your favorites.
| Grassland Diorama | (no rating) |
Make a fun diorama of a grassland in this hands-on acitivity.
Learning Tools (worksheets, drills, printables, online games, tests, etc.):
| Do These Animals Belong Here? | (no rating) |
In this online interactive game, students are asked to determine if and why certain animals could live in grassland habitats.
| African Elephant Coloring Page | (no rating) |
This page provides a printable picture of the African elephant, as well as information about the animal.
| American Bison Coloring Page | (no rating) |
This site provides a printable coloring page of this American prairie species, along with information about the animal.
| Create a Prairie Online | (no rating) |
This interactive website allows students to create their own American prairie, adding physical features and plants and animals.
| Discover the Animals | (no rating) |
This website features a colorful picture of a grasslands habitat and information about the animals living there.
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Free Online Video:
| The World of Grasslands | (no rating) |
This video explains the characteristics of temperate grasslands, including the variety of terms used throughout the world.
| Grassland Photos | (no rating) |
Scroll through the seven pictures on this website to see grassland landscapes and some of the animals that live there.
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Free Online Audio: 
Free E-Books (and classics available in most libraries):