Key Concepts: There are many different types
of plants and animals in nature. Plants and animals are important to
people. Everyone can help care for plants and animals.Goals: To foster an awareness and appreciation of nature, with an emphasis on food chains and habitats; to expose students to the plants and animals found in lowland Hawaiian forest and stream environments.
Objectives: Students will be able to describe the essential elements of a habitat, demonstrate a simple food chain, identify some of the components of a stream ecosystem, and express why nature is important to them.
Activities:
- Stream Safari - Students will gather at the edge of
Makiki Stream to explore and discover plants and animals living there.
After reviewing the components of a stream habitat with help from
colorful props, they'll be challenged to work in small groups to create
a miniature stream in a bin.
- Habitat Hunt - In a cozy clearing on a mountain path,
we'll review the habitat needs of people and other living things. From
there, we'll set out on a hike along the side of the mountain in search
of wild plant and animal habitats.
- Food Chain Challenge - Students will role play a food
chain in nature, then explore a meadow to create a food chain of their
own in a Hawaii Nature Center bug jar.
• Oahu Grade 1 Teacher Resource Guide (PDF)
• Maui Grade 1 Teacher Resource Guide (PDF)