Snow Tracks

This picture shows multiple tracks made in the fresh snow one morning. There appear to be three sets of tracks that seem to come close to the backyard of a house. The backyard is wooded and full of trees. 

Driving Question

• What could have created the tracks in the snow?

Probing Questions

• Where do you think these animals might live?
• What do you know about the plants and animals that live in this habitat?
• How do you think these plants and animals adapt to this type of environment?

Classroom Suggestions

Students could:

• Read about different types of habitats. They could find out what types of animals live in a wooded habitat and use what they find out to make claims about what types of animals could have been in this specific area. 
• Create a Venn Diagram comparing the living things in two different habitats. 
• Learn about a different habitat and create a poster showing the different living things that they might find in that particular place. They could explain what the habitat is like and why those living things can survive in that particular habitat.

Relevant Related Resources

Biodiversity of Life on Earth | Generation Genius: Lesson plans for living things found in different habitats. This resource has limited free access. It contains a video, vocabulary, discussion questions, reading material and assessments.
Diversity of Habitat | YouTube: This video is from the Great Plains Nature Center in Kansas. It explains what habitats can be found specifically in Kansas. It goes into depth about grasslands, woodlands, wetlands and riparian areas.
Habitats for Kids: Kids Learn About Tundra, Desert, Grasslands, Forests, and More | YouTube: This video explains what a habitat is and what living things can be found in each type of habitat and how living things can survive in each area. This video could be pulled apart and taught in sections if needed.
Habitat Free Online Games and Activities | Wartgames.com: This website has a handful of different types of learning games and activities geared toward habitats.