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Part I: Teach Ecology Vocabulary with Biome Paper Models


Giraffe from a savanna biome with text to teach ecology vocabulary with biome paper models.

Imagine this: a single, comprehensive resource for teaching ecology vocabulary such as biome, carnivore, community, consumer, decomposer, ecological organization, ecosystem, food chain, food web, herbivore, population, producer, and more. Does this sound too good to be true? It's not a dream—it's reality! Learn how I teach ecology vocabulary with biome paper models. But first, the model.


Bring your ecology unit to life by first engaging your biology or environmental science students in the lesson. You could let them research a question like "What would an ecologist study?". Or, you could provide examples of things an ecologist would study and have them define ecology by looking for patterns among the examples. The bottom line is that your students need to know that ecology is the study of organisms and their interactions with the environment and each other. Allow them to share their definitions using a platform such as Classkick or Lino to facilitate class discussion and increase student engagement.


Choose the Biome to Use to Teach Ecology Vocabulary


Next, present the biome paper models to your students. Let your students choose which biome (arctic tundra, savanna, desert, deciduous forest, and more) they complete. When they have a choice in their learning, they are likelier to take ownership and be engaged. You'll also need to decide if you want to use the predetermined locations for organisms or decide your own locations. Each biome has a printable for the environment and a printable with some examples of organisms found in the habitat. Each background and organism cut-outs are differentiated depending on how your students will complete the model. You can download the Desert Biome Paper Model backgrounds here to see the difference.


Once your students have their biome materials (background and organisms), they color. Encourage them to color the biome background and organisms realistically. Coloring realistically will open the door to discuss adaptations, camouflage, and survival of the fittest organisms. If needed, allow your students to use technology or other resources to gather information about the biomes and organisms.


Next, your students assemble the biome paper models by cutting out the organisms. Each organism has an outline for easy cutting. Keep the tab at the bottom to adhere the organism to the background. Fold backward on the dashed line to create the tab. Match the numbers on the tab to the number on the background or place the organisms in a desired location. Use glue or tape on the tab only to adhere the organism to the background. Fold the organism back to create the popup appearance.


Finally, you can place the biome paper model in a binder or notebook by punching holes in the background. Simply push the popups back towards the background and close the notebook. When you are ready to use the model again to teach ecology vocabulary, open the notebook to the biome paper model and pop up the organisms. Up next, learn how I teach ecology vocabulary using the biome paper models .


They are the perfect science class project. Read more about Why Project Based Learning is Great for Science Classes by Spectacular Science!

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