S3L2. Students will recognize the effects of pollution and humans on the environment.

a. Explain the effects of pollution (such as littering) to the habitats of plants and animals.
b. Identify ways to protect the environment.
- Conservation of resources
- Recycling of materials

Enduring Understanding:

Students will understand that
- Different organisms live in different habitats
- Georgia has several different habitats
- Different characteristics of a habitat determine what can live there

Essential Questions:

- Why don't alligators usually live on a mountain?
- Why are there different habitats in Georgia?
- What is in a habitat that supports life?
- Why do we have habitats?
- Can there be more than one habitat in a region? If so, why?

Teacher Resources

Georgia Mammals - Chart from 1962 that shows Georgia mammals, what habitat they live in, how common they are and a comment about many.

A Perilous Passage: Migratory Birds in Danger - Flash file from the Atlanta Journal Constitution that shows the dangers that threaten the habitats of birds. Click buttons to see associated pictures of 38 birds, what they need to survive, where they live in Georgia. Many have associated sound files.

Georgia Science Teachers Association - 3rd Grade Unit Plan for Habitats
Habitats Quiz

Carroll County 3rd Grade Habitats Content Map

Georgia Wildlife Project Wild Teacher Resource Guide - " This guide seeks to provide a basic introduction to key habitats and wildlife for each physiographic region within Georgia, and provide references for further study and field trip sites."

Georgia Wildlife Action Plan - Lists key Georgia habitats, gives endangered species of each, and gives an action plan for conservation

Natural History Exploration Kit - The Georgia Museum of Natural History's Natural History Exploration Kits provide educators with natural history materials and activities that can be incorporated into their regular curriculums in order to enhance student learning experiences. Contents may vary slightly between multiple copies of individual boxes.

The Amazing Story of Kudzu - an example of how a plant can both help and hurt a habitat - Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level 9.7

Information About Specific Georgia Habitats

Swamps

Nature Works, New Hampshire Public Television - Includes definition of a swamp, photographs of types of swamps, information about the Okefenokee habitat and the plants and animals that live in it. Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level 7.7

Georgia's Natural Wonders: Plants and Animals, Okefenokee Swamp Park - Gives information about some of the plants and animals in the Okefenokee with pictures of each. Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level 7.7

Alligator

Otter

Black Bear

Osprey

Anhinga

Water Moccasin

Pitcher Plant

Green Pitcher Plant

Bladderwort

Sun Dew

Water Lily

Swamp Iris

Yellow Fringed Orchid

Mountains

Georgia Mountains to the Sea: Mountains Region

Mountain Lion

Eastern Cottontail

American Toad

Red Fox

Brasstown Bald

Coastal Plain

Georgia Mountains to the Sea: Coastal Plain Region

Wire Grass

Grasslands

Snowy Egret

from left to right, Matelea alabamensis, Elliottia racemosa, and Coreopsis integrifolia

Piedmont

Georgia Mountains to the Sea: Piedmont

New Georgia Encyclopedia Land & Resources: Piedmont

Piedmont Stream

Sherpa Guides: Selected Atlanta Habitats

Atlantic Ocean

Georgia Mountains to the Sea: The Sea

Conservation:

Help Save Animals and Their Habitats: 101 Things You Can Do! A website from the Oregon Zoo

*Georgia Endangered Plant Stewardship Network - Why are plants important in the environment? What are the problems facing plants? How can we help endangered plants?