Activity Overview
While there are many regions well suited for life, and thus have hundreds of species living there, some are difficult to survive in, such as the polar region and the desert. In order to understand the different organism that live in each type of habitat as well as some of the adaptations that make it possible for them to live there, students should create a grid with examples of different living organisms for each environment. Below you will find several different habitats as well as examples of organisms that live there. Students should be encouraged to research each habitat before completing the storyboard.
To make this activity more challenging for your more advanced students, have them identify how these animals are adapted for survival in their habitat. To make this activity easier or provide an alternative to the activity, print out the example storyboard, cut it up and have students sort the animals into the correct habitat. This modification could be completed individually or as a group.
Animal Habitats
The polar region is a very difficult place to survive in. Polar regions are the areas surrounding each pole (North and South) of the Earth. They are well known for being very cold with average winter temperatures of -40°C (-40°F) in the Arctic and -60°C (-76°F) in Antarctica. In the summer it gets a bit warmer, with average temperatures of 0°C (32°F) in the Arctic and -28°C (-18°F) in the Antarctic. These low temperatures require animals to have adaptations that allow them to survive. Animals such as the polar bear, the beluga whale, and the arctic fox can all survive in polar regions.
The rainforest is an area categorized by high rainfall. Tropical rainforests are home to millions of different species of living things; they are areas of large biodiversity. As well as a high amount of rainfall, tropical rainforests have high average temperatures. The Amazon rainforest, located in the north of South America, has an average temperature of 26°C (80°F). The Toco toucan, jaguar, and heliconia are living things that can be found in the tropical rainforest.
The African Savanna is a tropical grassland habitat with high year round temperatures (20-30°C) and a large amount of rainfall in the summer (with 25-75 cm falling annually). Although there is a large amount of grass growth, there isn’t a large tree population. This environment supports a large, varied, and diverse community of living things. Termites, the umbrella acacia, and zebras are examples of living things that live in the African Savanna.
The desert is another place where life struggles to survive. There are four major deserts in the United States: the Great Basin Desert, the Mojave Desert, the Sonoran Desert, and the Chihuahuan Desert. They are all categorized as deserts because they receive very little precipitation. As well as having very little water, they also can have extreme high temperatures during the day and extreme low temperatures at night. The animals and plants that have adapted to survive in these harsh environments do so by using little water and surviving the extreme temperatures.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard where you provide examples of different living organisms from a given environment.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Research different organisms that live in polar regions, rainforests, the African savanna, and the American desert.
- Pick three organisms for each habit and add photos by using the search bar. Try to include a wide range of organisms, not just animals.
- Add rows to the storyboard for each additional habitat.
- Write the name of the organism in the description box.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Habitats | Five different habitats have been identified. | At least three different habitats have been selected. | Two or fewer different habitats have been identified. |
| Example organisms | There are three correct organisms for each habitat, with images. | There are two correct organisms for each habitat, with images. | There is one correct organism for each habitat, with images. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
While there are many regions well suited for life, and thus have hundreds of species living there, some are difficult to survive in, such as the polar region and the desert. In order to understand the different organism that live in each type of habitat as well as some of the adaptations that make it possible for them to live there, students should create a grid with examples of different living organisms for each environment. Below you will find several different habitats as well as examples of organisms that live there. Students should be encouraged to research each habitat before completing the storyboard.
To make this activity more challenging for your more advanced students, have them identify how these animals are adapted for survival in their habitat. To make this activity easier or provide an alternative to the activity, print out the example storyboard, cut it up and have students sort the animals into the correct habitat. This modification could be completed individually or as a group.
Animal Habitats
The polar region is a very difficult place to survive in. Polar regions are the areas surrounding each pole (North and South) of the Earth. They are well known for being very cold with average winter temperatures of -40°C (-40°F) in the Arctic and -60°C (-76°F) in Antarctica. In the summer it gets a bit warmer, with average temperatures of 0°C (32°F) in the Arctic and -28°C (-18°F) in the Antarctic. These low temperatures require animals to have adaptations that allow them to survive. Animals such as the polar bear, the beluga whale, and the arctic fox can all survive in polar regions.
The rainforest is an area categorized by high rainfall. Tropical rainforests are home to millions of different species of living things; they are areas of large biodiversity. As well as a high amount of rainfall, tropical rainforests have high average temperatures. The Amazon rainforest, located in the north of South America, has an average temperature of 26°C (80°F). The Toco toucan, jaguar, and heliconia are living things that can be found in the tropical rainforest.
The African Savanna is a tropical grassland habitat with high year round temperatures (20-30°C) and a large amount of rainfall in the summer (with 25-75 cm falling annually). Although there is a large amount of grass growth, there isn’t a large tree population. This environment supports a large, varied, and diverse community of living things. Termites, the umbrella acacia, and zebras are examples of living things that live in the African Savanna.
The desert is another place where life struggles to survive. There are four major deserts in the United States: the Great Basin Desert, the Mojave Desert, the Sonoran Desert, and the Chihuahuan Desert. They are all categorized as deserts because they receive very little precipitation. As well as having very little water, they also can have extreme high temperatures during the day and extreme low temperatures at night. The animals and plants that have adapted to survive in these harsh environments do so by using little water and surviving the extreme temperatures.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard where you provide examples of different living organisms from a given environment.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Research different organisms that live in polar regions, rainforests, the African savanna, and the American desert.
- Pick three organisms for each habit and add photos by using the search bar. Try to include a wide range of organisms, not just animals.
- Add rows to the storyboard for each additional habitat.
- Write the name of the organism in the description box.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Habitats | Five different habitats have been identified. | At least three different habitats have been selected. | Two or fewer different habitats have been identified. |
| Example organisms | There are three correct organisms for each habitat, with images. | There are two correct organisms for each habitat, with images. | There is one correct organism for each habitat, with images. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Animal Adaptations: Animals in a Habitat
Plan a hands-on adaptation demonstration for your class
Choose a simple activity or experiment that lets students see and experience how adaptations help animals survive. For example, use mittens to show how polar bear fur keeps in warmth or use straws and tweezers to mimic different bird beaks. Hands-on learning helps students better understand key science concepts!
Gather easy-to-find materials to model animal adaptations
Collect items such as rubber gloves, spoons, cups, feathers, or plastic wrap. Everyday classroom materials can represent animal adaptations, like waterproofing, insulation, or special feeding tools. Prepping materials ahead ensures a smooth lesson!
Explain the adaptation and its survival benefit clearly
Describe which animal adaptation the activity models and how it helps the animal live in its habitat. For example, explain that blubber insulates whales in cold water, or that cactus spines help store water. Clear explanations connect the demo to real-world science.
Guide students to try the demonstration and record observations
Let students use the materials to test the adaptation. Have them observe, compare, and discuss how the adaptation works. Encourage them to write or draw what they notice in their science journals. Active participation boosts understanding and retention.
Facilitate a class discussion to connect adaptations to habitats
Lead a quick talk about how each adaptation matches a specific habitat. Ask students to brainstorm other adaptations animals might have and why. Discussion helps students apply their learning to new examples.
Frequently Asked Questions about Animal Adaptations: Animals in a Habitat
What are animal adaptations and why are they important for survival in different habitats?
Animal adaptations are physical or behavioral changes that help animals survive in their specific habitats. These adaptations allow species to find food, avoid predators, and thrive in environments like the polar regions, rainforests, savannas, and deserts.
How do animals survive in extreme environments like the polar region or desert?
Animals survive in extreme environments by developing special adaptations, such as thick fur or blubber in polar regions, and the ability to conserve water or tolerate heat in deserts. These traits help them cope with harsh temperatures and limited resources.
What are some easy classroom activities to teach animal habitats and adaptations?
One simple activity is to have students create a grid or storyboard showing different organisms in each habitat. Sorting cut-out animals into the correct environments is another hands-on way to reinforce learning about animal habitats and adaptations.
Which animals are found in the polar region, rainforest, savanna, and desert?
Examples include polar bears, beluga whales, and arctic foxes in the polar regions; toco toucans and jaguars in rainforests; zebras and termites in savannas; and various species in the Great Basin, Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan deserts.
How can teachers modify habitat lessons for different student skill levels?
For advanced students, ask them to explain how animals are adapted to their habitats. For easier lessons, provide pre-made storyboards and let students sort organisms into habitats, individually or as a group.
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- saguaro • industrial arts • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Termite Mound • motazabdelazeem صور من السودان • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Toucan toco • zigazou76 • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Umbrella Acacia Tree • justin • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Western Diamondback Rattlesnake • cm195902 • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Zebras • NH53 • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
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