Teachers Guide for Virtual Field Trip Lesson Introduction: We have recently had a lesson about biomes.

However there are several habitats that do not perfectly fit into a biome category. Today, students will learn about the Pinelands which is a special habitat native to New Jersey. After learning about some key elements of the pinelands, students will be introduced to several native New Jersey animal species and be asked to do a little research on one. There will be several questions to answer about the animal. This will prompt a discussion about endangered species and make a good transition into conservation ecology (next unit). Objectives: To goal is to learn about a unique habitat in New Jersey, the Pinelands and learn about native New Jersey species. Next week: Conservation Ecology Materials: Laptop cart Projector

Lesson Description: Time Before bell rings Activity Do Now Students are Doing Students are writing in their notebooks the answer to the Do Now. What are the 6 major biomes and what is the main characteristic of each? Offering answers to the Do Now, checking answers, and listening to peers. Listening to teachers instructions and reading along on their handouts. Students should be watching the video and answering the questions in their packet Students choose an animal from the hat (animals seen in the video) and researches about the animal Students present their animals and facts about their animals and answering teachers questions. Teacher is Doing Getting students settled, taking attendance and handing out the worksheets. Conducting class discussion. Reading or appointing student to read the instructions. Monitoring students and keeping them on task Monitoring students and keeping them on task and distributing animal choices Listening to students presentations and asking prompt questions about the animals conservation and habitat loss.

0-5

Going over Do Now Giving Directions Video activity

5-10

10-30

30-40

Web portion

40-80

Presentation and discussion

Evaluation Procedure: During the next class, students will be expected to write a short essay about their experience with the virtual field trip. The prompt questions will be: What is the difference between the ecosystem seen in the pinelands and the ecosystems in our town? Why does this ecosystem not fit into a biome? Name an animal we talked about that was endangered. Write how humans have affected the safety and existence of the species.