Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to identify and understand the different plants and animals encountered while hiking, and explain their biological characteristics.

Materials and Prep

Materials: Notebook, pencil, comfortable hiking clothes and shoes, water bottle

Prep: Research the common plants and animals found in your hiking area, and familiarize yourself with their biological characteristics.

Activities

1. Before the hike, research and make a list of the common plants and animals you might encounter on the trail.

2. During the hike, observe and take notes on the different plants and animals you see. Pay attention to their physical characteristics and behaviors.

3. After the hike, create a nature journal entry describing and drawing the plants and animals you encountered, and include details about their biological features.

Seventh Grade Talking Points

• Plants and animals have unique characteristics that help them survive in their environment. For example, the cactus has adapted to store water in its thick, fleshy stems, allowing it to survive in arid conditions.
• Animals have different ways of obtaining energy and nutrients. Some are herbivores, feeding on plants, while others are carnivores, feeding on other animals. For example, the hawk hunts for small mammals and birds for its food.
• Plants play a vital role in the ecosystem by producing oxygen through photosynthesis and providing food and shelter for animals. For instance, the oak tree provides acorns as food for squirrels and woodpeckers, and its branches offer shelter for birds.