Ecology Center Ideas in the Classroom
Young children like learning about the earth. Most can easily grasp the concept of interdependence and understand the importance of keeping the earth healthy. It is important that as children learn about threats to the environment, they also feel empowered to make changes. Lessons in ecology should include action kids can take to keep nature in balance. After appropriate whole group lessons in ecology, a well-considered center activity can reinforce the idea that it is vital for us to take care of each part of our earth.
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Save the Earth Poster
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A poster can be a positive way to get kids thinking about ecology. Spend a session brainstorming ways students can help the earth. This might include turning off the computer when it is not in use or recycling water bottles. Post the list at the center. Then set out large pieces of construction paper and markers. Instruct students to create a poster about one of the actions. Post the finished products around the classroom or the school. Or, bind the posters into a "How to Make A Healthy Earth" big book.
Make a Game
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A board game can demonstrate that kids have the power to improve the environment. Brainstorm ways people are harming the earth. Then brainstorm things students can do to help the earth. Post both lists at the center. Print out a blank game board from an online source. Reproduce one on large paper for each student. Then let students create their own ecology games by filling in random spaces with jump instructions. For example, one space could say, "Oil spill, go back two spaces," and another, "Empty the classroom recycling bin, go ahead three spaces." Games are played with markers and dice.
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Make a Habitat
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Making scenes of habitats such as the desert reinforces ecological concepts. Set out books that describe the different kinds of plants and animals in various habitats. Place a blank triorama at the center for each student to create a scene for a habitat of their choice. They should begin by coloring the background. Then they can draw the appropriate plants and animals on heavy paper and cut them out. Be sure students cut a flap at the bottom of each for folding and gluing to make the figure stand up. Let students add sticks, rocks, sand or grass as appropriate.
Earth Mobile
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An earth mobile reinforces the importance of the balance between man and nature. Have students color and cut out of heavy paper a large picture of the earth and one smaller picture each of an animal, a tree and a human. Glue the earth onto a larger triangle also cut from heavy paper. Punch a hole in the top corner of the triangle and attach a string for hanging. Then punch three holes along the bottom of the triangle --- one on each corner and one in the middle. Punch a hole at the top of the animal, tree and human. Tie them to the triangle with a short length of string.
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References
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Comments
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interesting!!!!!!
