Science Lesson Plan: Introducing Terrestrial Biomes

* Students will understand the definition of a biome.
* Students will be able to list the six major terrestrial biomes of Earth and be familiar with their general characteristics and locations.

In this lesson, six land biomes will be introduced: desert, grassland, tropical rainforest, temperate deciduous forest, boreal forest (taiga) and tundra. Each of the biomes has distinctive characteristics and climates based on temperature and rainfall. The plants and animals that live in each biome have adaptations that allow them to survive in the particular climate conditions of that biome.

Even though they may be located on different parts of the planet, each particular type of biome shares similar conditions. For example, there are desert biomes located in Africa, South America, and Australia, but all deserts share a similar climate, and the plants and animals are adapted to live in a place with very little rainfall.

Put a map of the world's biomes on the overhead, such as the one found here. Hand out blank world maps and colored pencils or crayons at the beginning of the lesson. Have students color in the location of each biome on their blank map in a different color as you describe each one. Students should create a color-coded key labeled with the name of each biome.

List the biomes on the board, and briefly describe the main characteristics of each one. Point out where each biome is located on the biome map, and instruct students to color in the areas on their blank map. For each biome, ask students what kinds of animals and plants they think would be adapted to live there.

Desert- receives less than 25 cm (10 in) of rain per year. Deserts are always dry, but not always hot. They have hot days but may be cool at night, and even have freezing temperatures in winter. Animals and plants that live in deserts are adapted to living with little water.

Grassland- receives more rain than deserts, but not enough for large trees to grow. Temperate grasslands are called prairies, and tropical grasslands are called savannas. Grassland supports large grass-eating herbivores and their predators.

Tropical rainforest- located near the equator, the tropical rainforest is very hot and wet all year round and has a high amount of biodiversity.

Temperate deciduous forest- has hot summers and cold winters, and mainly broadleaf trees that lose their leaves in winter. A variety of large and small animals and birds live in the different layers of the deciduous forest.

Boreal forest (Taiga)- found in the northern latitudes with very cold winters and cool summers. Trees are evergreen conifers such as pine and fir, which have needles instead of leaves. Large and small herbivores and omnivores that can tolerate cold winters live in the taiga.

Tundra- extreme northern regions with long, cold winters, short summers, little rainfall, and permafrost. There is very little vegetation, mainly small plants with shallow roots, mosses and lichens. Animals must be adapted to the extremely cold climate, and hibernate or migrate to warmer regions in winter.

Sources:

http://www.worldbiomes.com/
http://www.mbgnet.net/index.html
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/world_biomes.htm
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/index.php