Content Objectives
Biodiversity is defined as the variety of life on Earth. It is all around us and we see it every day. Biodiversity is, however, more than what we can simply see. It includes how everything is connected. Every species, including humans is interconnected. We all rely on each other to survive. Local adaptations of plants, animals, and other creatures to specific biomes located on a continent can make them uniquely different from other species on that continent and creatures found elsewhere in the world. An expanding human population and the increase in human consumption of natural resources is a very large threat to biodiversity.
By studying different biomes in the continent of Africa, the students will research how plant and animal life has come to adapt to their environment in a specific biome. The students will learn about the indigenous people of Africa and the biota that are of importance to each particular group. In each biome, students will learn the names, importance of, and possible adaptations of biome specific plants and animals. Africa and its biomes are home to many unique species that are not found elsewhere. The plant and animal life that is taught throughout the unit is only a small sampling of the rich biota present on the continent of Africa. The information gained about these life forms will create a dynamic learning experience for the students. By studying Africa in this manner, students will learn to have an appreciation of another culture. They will also develop an understanding of the differences and similarities of their own culture from the indigenous people of Africa. In accordance with the standards, students will develop critical thinking skills and a motivation to read, write, and communicate information. The students will read, comprehend, and respond to informational texts. They will then have to collect evidence from informational texts according to grade level reading standards to support analysis, reflection, and research. The unit is separated into the three different grade levels that make up a Lower Elementary classroom. First year students will study the tropical forest biome, second year students will study the grasslands, and third year students will study the desert.
Figure 1. Biomes of Africa7
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