This lesson is about exploring Arizona's state bird, the cactus wren, that lives in the desert, has special body parts and behaviors that help it survive in its harsh environment. Students will learn
In the unit, students will identify ways abiotic and biotic components work together in an ecosystem and what happens when it's disrupted through a analyzing wildlife roadkill in Arizona. Students
Students will explore bird habitats and research how natural and human-caused changes to habitats or climate can impact populations. They will participate in an engineering design challenge to model a
By the end of this lesson, students will understand the unique adaptations of desert tortoises and the importance of conserving their habitat. Students also engineer a habitat for the desert tortoise.
Collaboratively, students will make a 3D-model of their chosen Arizona biome. Their model must show the different interrelationships between biotic and abiotic factors. After project making, students
This lesson is a final project/assessment for the unit. Students should have a basic understanding of structural and behavioral adaptations. Students will create a poster featuring a model of a new
Students will use SEEK or other species identification tools to create a database of biodiversity on campus. The lesson starts with a discussion of the importance of biodiversity to the functioning of