Habitats - Lesson Plan

In an engaging lesson plan crafted by Mark Inder in 2021, pupils are set to explore the concept of habitats, where they will delve into various patterns, changes, similarities, and differences within the natural world. The lesson’s objectives aim to enhance students' understanding of habitats as environments where living things exist, enabling them to name different types of habitats and associate specific living things with their respective habitats. This foundational knowledge paves the way for future learning in Year 2, where students will further investigate how living things are suited to their habitats and the interdependence between animals, plants, and their environments.

Throughout the lesson, students will engage in a series of hands-on activities, such as creating a world map with different animals placed in their natural habitats, constructing an ocean habitat within jars to understand the various oceanic zones, and exploring a local habitat to observe and record the living organisms found there. These interactive exercises are complemented by cross-curricular links to art and geography, encouraging pupils to draw habitats and locate them on a map. Health and safety considerations are also outlined, such as washing hands after handling natural materials and being cautious around plants with stings and thorns. The lesson addresses common misconceptions, for instance, clarifying that habitats can range in size and distinguishing between an animal's home and its habitat. With a plenary session to consolidate learning, students are prompted to reflect on their understanding of habitats, the types they have learned about, and the creatures that inhabit them.