Everglades: A Florida Ecosystem
Grade: 4 Subjects: Science, Geography, Math, Language Arts Time: 2–3 class periods
Learning Objectives
- Identify several plants and animals associated with the Everglades.
- Explain basic habitat and food-web relationships.
- Use verified animal or ecosystem data in mathematical problems.
- Communicate scientific information through a model, diagram, and short report.
Procedure
- Build background: Locate the Everglades on a Florida map. Introduce the idea of an ecosystem and identify water, plants, animals, and other environmental factors.
- Species research: Give each student or group a specific species to research. Record habitat, food, predators/prey, adaptations, and one source.
- Food web: Combine species into a simple food web. Discuss what could happen if one part of the system changed.
- Math: Use teacher-provided or source-verified data to create addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, graphing, or measurement problems.
- Model: Draw or construct an Everglades habitat showing water, vegetation, and selected animals. Label the relationships represented.
- Presentation: Students present their species or ecosystem model. A ranger video, guest speaker, or virtual resource may supplement the lesson.
Assessment
Students must correctly identify a habitat relationship, explain one food-web connection, and communicate at least three verified facts about their species.
Teacher Note
Avoid bringing wild animals into the classroom or encouraging students to handle wildlife. Use photographs, specimens from appropriate educational sources, video, or virtual field experiences instead.