Spring lesson themes involve threats to fish, wildlife, and natural resources and the natural history of Washington's species and ecosystems.
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Wildlife Life Cycles
Wildlife Life Cycles introduces elementary students to life cycles of animals who call Washington home. Students learn that baby wildlife can look very different from their parents and that babies have adaptations that help protect them as they grow up. This lesson also teaches students about the importance of not touching or relocating baby wildlife and how mother animals may leave their babies alone for parts of the day.
Students recite the four phases of an animal’s life cycle and play a lifecycle card game. Finally, students explore their school yard, park, or local greenspace, observe and identify an animal, and then research and illustrate that animal’s lifecycle.
The lesson is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards in life sciences as well as Common Core State Standards in speaking and listening, reading, and writing. Make sure to check out the supplemental resources for even more awesome activities.
Lesson plan
Supporting materials
Coastal Ecosystems of Washington
In “Coastal Ecosystems of Washington”, students learn about what life looks like at the intersection of land and ocean in the Pacific Northwest. Students take a 3D tour of the Puget Sound shoreline and explore the plants and animals who call coastal ecosystems home. They take a visual tour to the beach and use their senses to describe this experience.
Next, students learn how coastal ecosystems shape their climate and landscapes even if they don’t live near a coast. The lesson culminates with students investigating and comparing how Washington coastal ecosystems are different from other coastal ecosystems in the world.
This lesson was written in collaboration with Washington Service Corps and Washington State Parks. It aligns with Next Generation Science Standards in life and Earth science.
Lesson plan
Coastal Ecosystems of Washington
Supporting materials
- What are Coastal Ecosystems? PowerPoint
- Washington Coastal Ecosystems PowerPoint
- Shorelines and Salmon Student Worksheet
- Shorelines and Salmon Teacher Key
- Beach Scene Visualization
- Comparing Coastlines Assignment