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Vertical Lesson 2
Vertical Lesson 2
First Grade:S1L1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the basic needs of plants and animals. a.
Develop models to identify the parts of a plant—root, stem, leaf, and flower. b. Ask questions to compare and
contrast the basic needs of plants (air, water, light, and nutrients) and animals (air, water, food, and shelter). c.
Design a solution to ensure that a plant or animal has all of its needs met.
Third Grade:S3L2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the effects of pollution (air, land, and
water) and humans on the environment. a. Ask questions to collect information and create records of sources and
effects of pollution on the plants and animals. b. Explore, research, and communicate solutions, such as
conservation of resources and recycling of materials, to protect plants and animals.
ENGAGE: Phenomena – show picture of animals and have students name each animal
EXPLORE: STEM Challenge: The Atlanta Zoo is looking to help animals that are struggling to survive in
their environment. Choose an animal that is endangered due to pollution or the effect of humans, and build a
zoo habitat for that animal to help it thrive for a new exhibit at the Zoo.
Brainstorm individually and with your STEM group to come up with possible solutions for this challenge. Each
group will have a laptop computer to research on PebbleGo Animals. They will decide on an animal, determine
what group the animal fits into (bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, mammal, etc.), list the characteristics of the animal,
and then brainstorm the things that must be present in the animal’s new habitat at the zoo.
Then: Work with team to build the exhibit using the available materials that your group chooses. Label the ways
the basic needs are met.
EXPLAIN: Students will present their new zoo habitat to the class. Kindergarten group members
will describe the animals and tell what animal group it belongs in. First graders will present the
basic needs that must be met in the new habitat, and 3rd graders will present the ways that
pollution or human impact has affected the animal in its natural habitat and how the new zoo
habitat will help solve those problems.
EXTEND: Students will reflect on their project and come up with ways to make it better.
Materials: craft sticks, recycled materials, pipe cleaners, paper, tape, branches and leaves from
outside
Opening/Hook/Initial Focus: Show students pictures of different animals, and their habitat
(provide some pictures with effects of pollution or human impact on the animals habitat).