Backyard Diversity

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

Slide 1: Overhead view of the location where the backyard diversity is located.
Slide 2: Bright red cardinal perched on a clothesline.
Slide 3: A close-up view of tree branches adorned with clusters of small red buds.
Slide 4: A decaying log with small pill bugs and snails.
Slide 5: Decaying log with fungi growth.
Slide 6: Decaying log with fungi growth.
Slide 7: Bird feeder with several goldfinch birds.
Slide 8: Tree branch log with lichen growth.
Slide 9: Treetop with a bird nest.
Slide 10: Hole in the soil, suggesting an animal created burrow or digging.
Slide 11: Fungi in green grass.
Slide 12: Close up of single fungus and lichen.
Slide 13: Brown reed grass
Slide 14: Mature deer with large antlers.
Slide 15: Young doe.

Bussey

2-LS4-1

Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats

Driving Question

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.

Submitted by Angie Goemaat.