Basic Science and Technology - Junior Secondary 2 - Living things - Habitat

TERM: 1^ST TERM

WEEK: 1

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 2

AGE: 13 years

DURATION: 40 minutes each for 2 periods

DATE:

SUBJECT: Basic Science

TOPIC: Living things - Habitat

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

1.) Define Habitat

2.) List and explain the types of habitats

3.) Outline the characteristics of each habitat

4.) Give examples of animals found in each habitat

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Recommended Basic Science textbooks for Junior Secondary School 2

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES: PERIOD 1-2:

NOTE

LIVING THINGS-HABITAT

A habitat is the natural environment in which an organism or a community of organisms lives, grows, and thrives. It provides the necessary conditions such as food, shelter, and mates for reproduction, all of which are vital for the survival of a species. Habitats vary based on geographical location, climate, and the specific needs of the organisms within them.

Types of Habitats:

• Terrestrial Habitats: These are land-based habitats that exist on Earth's surface. Examples include forests, grasslands, deserts, and tundras.
• Aquatic Habitats: These are water-based environments, including freshwater and marine habitats.
• Freshwater Habitats: Rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands.
• Marine Habitats: Oceans, seas, coral reefs, and coastal areas.
• Wetland Habitats: Areas where water saturates the land, creating unique ecosystems with both aquatic and terrestrial features, such as swamps, marshes, and bogs.
• Arctic and Alpine Habitats: Cold environments found at high latitudes (Arctic) and high altitudes (Alpine), such as the polar regions or mountain peaks.

Characteristics of Each Habitat:

• Terrestrial Habitats:
• Forests: Dense vegetation, a variety of plant and animal species, moderate to high rainfall, and distinct layers (canopy, understory, forest floor).
• Grasslands: Dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, moderate rainfall, and home to large herbivores and carnivores.
• Deserts: Dry, low precipitation, extreme temperature variations, adapted plant and animal life for water conservation.
• Tundras: Cold, low precipitation, permafrost, short growing seasons, sparse vegetation, and adapted animal life (e.g., polar bears, caribou).
• Aquatic Habitats:
• Freshwater Habitats: Water with low salinity, includes lakes, rivers, and wetlands; supports species like fish, amphibians, and aquatic plants.
• Marine Habitats: Saltwater environments with varying temperatures and depths, home to a wide range of species such as fish, marine mammals, corals, and plankton.
• Wetland Habitats:
• Saturated with water, supporting plant species like reeds, marsh grasses, and trees; home to amphibians, waterfowl, and aquatic insects.
• Arctic and Alpine Habitats:
• Cold temperatures, with short growing seasons, ice, snow, and low biodiversity. Species like seals, polar bears, and certain birds are adapted to these extreme conditions.

Examples of Animals Found in Each Habitat:

• Terrestrial Habitats:
• Forests: Deer, wolves, bears, owls, foxes, monkeys, and various insects.
• Grasslands: Lions, zebras, giraffes, bison, and cheetahs.
• Deserts: Camels, lizards, scorpions, snakes, and hawks.
• Tundras: Polar bears, caribou, Arctic foxes, snow owls, and seals.
• Aquatic Habitats:
• Freshwater Habitats: Fish (trout, bass), amphibians (frogs, salamanders), turtles, and waterfowl.
• Marine Habitats: Fish (salmon, tuna), dolphins, whales, sharks, sea turtles, and jellyfish.
• Wetland Habitats: Frogs, turtles, beavers, otters, herons, and various species of insects (mosquitoes, dragonflies).
• Arctic and Alpine Habitats: Polar bears, Arctic foxes, penguins (Antarctica), snow leopards, and mountain goats.

EVALUATION:

1. What are the key characteristics that define a habitat, and how do they support the survival of organisms?
2. Compare and contrast terrestrial and aquatic habitats in terms of their environmental features and the species they support.
3. How do adaptations of animals enable them to survive in extreme habitats like deserts, tundras, or the Arctic?
4. What are the main differences between freshwater and marine habitats in terms of biodiversity and ecological significance?
5. Explain the role of wetlands in the environment and discuss the types of species that thrive in this habitat.

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively