Backyard Diversity

These images show a diverse set of lifeforms including plants, birds, and fungi are all living in the same backyard.

• What are some characteristics of living things?

• What would happen if something changes in the habitat? (Example-if the bird feeder is removed or if the grass dies)
• Do all things need to have movement to be living?

Students could:

• Complete a notice and wonder chart in small groups with each group using a different picture to analyze. Then bring the small groups together for whole group discussion.
• Make observations about what they are seeing in the picture such as characteristics/traits of the organisms.
• Discuss what characteristics a habitat needs to have to support a diverse population of plants and animals living in the same area.

• Hidden Villa's Science and Nature Video Series | Life Under Logs: A video exploring micro-habitats.
• University of Wisconsin | Habitat Detectives: This lesson encourages students to take an active role in good stewardship towards the plants and animals in their community or even their own yard.
• PBS LearningMedia | Science Trek: Habitat: Restoring Habitat: Join biologists with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game as they explain how wildfire can change a habitat and what they do to restore and reunite habitat for deer and other animals.