Build a Biome in a Box
Lesson Plans
Grades3, 4, 5Science, Visual and Performing Arts
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Provided by ClimateScience
What it is
- This activity teaches students about some of the major biomes on Earth, then prompts students to create their own biome diorama in a box.
- The resource includes a teacher's guide, student instructions, and printable plants and animals to use for each biome.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This engaging activity combines art, science, and reading comprehension.
- The included student handouts are informative, easy to understand, and allow for student creativity.
Additional Prerequisites
- You will need a box (shoe boxes are recommended) for each student, as well as varied art supplies.
- Consider reading the handout digitally and having students chose their biome ahead of time in order to conserve paper.
Differentiation
- This activity would work equally well in science and art classes, as it incorporates a creative activity with scientific knowledge.
- For cross-curricular connections, social studies classes working on geography could use this activity to explore the types of habitats that exist around the world and how people have changed those habitats.
- This activity is a great opportunity for students to practice their research skills! Allow students to do additional research on their biome of choice in order to add a description of the biome and list other plants and animals that live there. At the end, students can present their findings to their group or the class.
- For younger students, use the handout as a read aloud. For older students, practice guided or independent reading as appropriate to incorporate ELA skills.
From the scientist review
The resource features lessons that students can engage to learn about the major biomes and their spatial distribution. This is insightful and recommended for the classroom.
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Hosted on climatescience.org
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