This site was created to address the following Virginia Science SOL:3.6 The student will investigate and understand that environments support a diversity of plants and animals that share limited resources. Key concepts include:
- water-related environments (pond, marshland, swamp, stream, river, and ocean environments);
- dry-land environments (desert, grassland, rainforest, and forest environments);
This site also addresses Content Standard C of the National Science Standards.As a result of activities in grades K-4, all students should develop and understanding of
For more information about these K-4 standards, follow this link.
- The characteristics of organisms
- Life cycles of organisms
- Organisms and environments
Follow the links below for more information about biomes.
- Biomes Slide Show - This site provides basic biome information and links to other web sites of interest.
- Climate Biomes - This site describes how biomes are defined by climate.
- Deserts Theme - This site contains an annotated list of links on deserts.
- EcoQuest - Desert Edition - This site provides an interactive WebQuest on deserts for middle school students.
- Introduction to Biomes - This site provides background information on the biomes of the world.
- Mountain Zones - This site describes the different biomes that occur as you move from the bottom to the top of a mountain.
- North American Biomes - This site describes the biomes found in North America.
- Rainforest Theme - This site contains an annotated list of links on rainforests.
- Rainforests at Risk - This lesson plan encourages students to consider how the health of the entire planet depends upon the health of the rain forests.
- Wetlands - This site from the National Wildlife Federation contains background information and activity ideas.
- Wetlands Web Resources for Students - This site contains an annotated list of links on wetlands.
- Why Save the Rain Forest? - This site contains a case study, lesson plans, and resource ideas.
Biome Resources
Amsel, S. 1993. Deserts. Austin, TX: Steck-Vaughn Company. Baker, L. 1990. Life in the Deserts. Ontario, Canada: Scholastic Publishing. Baker, L. 1990. Life in the Oceans. New York: Two-Can Publishing. Baker, L. 1990. Life in the Rain Forest. New York: Two-Can Publishing Ltd. Banks, M. 1990. Conserving Rain Forests. Austin, TX: Stick-Vaughan Co. Byles, M. 1993. Life in the Polar Lands. New York: Scholastic Publishing. Collier's Encyclopedia- vol. 9 New York: ©1996 Dorros, A. 1990. Rain Forest Secrets. New York: Scholastic. Lambert, D. 1984. The Oceans. New York: Bookwright Press. Langley, A. 1987. Jungles. New York: Bookwright Press. Simon, S. 1990. Oceans. New York: William Morrow Company. Twist, C. 1991. Seas and Oceans. New York: Macmillin Publishing.
Biomes of the World Ocean Planet Rain Forest Action Network Safari Touch Tank What's It Like Where You Live?