ECOSYSTEMS Curriculum: A Closer Look
Summary
Play, skit, and lessons initiate questions about water conservation, camouflage, and the differences between a desert and rainforest ecosystem.
Introduction
Having just emerged from her cocoon, Suzie wants to fit in with the other animals, but they are all very different from her. She meets a roadrunner, a lizard, a rabbit and a vulture but remains unsure as to what kind of animal she is until she completes her migration to the rainforest and meets someone from her past life as a caterpillar. All is then revealed to her. If You Knew Suzie is also a story of the many different creatures that live in desert and in the rainforest. This comic investigation into biology and climate differences inspires students to ask questions about environmental sciences, geography and zoology. Many Monarch Butterflies embark on migrations of up to 3000 miles!
Teacher Guide
· Background · Director/Educator Preparation · Casting Notes · Performers · Working with your Set · Program · Integrating Curriculum · Fun Facts
Two Act Play
Script for 14 actors
Setting: The Desert. It is very early in the morning. The sun is just starting to rise. Everything is very quiet. BUTTERFLY is just emerging from her cocoon. She yawns and shakes her antennae. She pays no attention to her wings that are behind her back.
Short Skit
Script for 4 actors
Setting: The Desert. It is very early in the morning. The sun is just starting to rise. Everything is very quiet. BUTTERFLY is just emerging from her cocoon. She yawns and shakes her antennae. She pays no attention to her wings that are behind her back.
Creative Play Ideas
4 Scenarios for Imaginative Play
Scenario 1: Pretend you are a group of scientists studying the animals found in the rainforest. Pretend that you have discovered a new animal. Describe it and give it a name. Give it the power of speech and have a conversation.
Lesson #1
Vocabulary Strategy - Word Tree
Subjects: Reading, Vocabulary
Lesson #2
Dry as a Desert – Water Conservation
Subject(s): Science, Mathematics
National Standards:
NS.K-4.1 Science as Inquiry
NS.K-4.3 Life Science
NS.K-4.6 Personal and Social Perspectives
Lesson #3
Camouflage – The Colors of Survival
Subject(s): Science, Fine Arts
National Standards:
NS.K-4.1 Science as Inquiry
NS.K-4.3 Life Science
NS.K-4.6 Personal and Social Perspectives
NA-VA.K-4.6 Making Connections Between Visual Arts and Other Disciplines
Lesson #4
A Change of Scenery – Comparing the Desert to the Rainforest
Subject(s): Geography, Writing
National Standards:
Geog-1 How to Use Maps, Geographic Representations, Geospatial Technologies and Spatial Thinking
Geog-2 The Physical and Human Characteristics of Places
Geog-3 The Characteristics and Spatial Distribution of Ecosystems and Biomes on Earth's Surface
A Sneak Peek Inside
