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Description
This outdoor lesson involves learners in observing squirrels in their natural environment to develop an increased awareness of ecological connections. These appealing, lively rodents are the subject of a field study where students describe the placement of squirrel nests in relationship to features like compass direction, tree type and branch configuration. The investigation highlights how these seemingly frenetic animals actually have a purposeful, organized approach to creating secure homes which reinforces understanding about the adaptive significance of behavioural patterns in wildlife.
General Assessment
Recommendation of how and where to use it
This activity supports science learning about interactions in ecosystems, habitats, adaptations and animal ecology. Students use science process skills such as observation, making predictions and recording findings. The lesson also uses math concepts like estimation, measurement and pattern recognition to reinforce the environmental learning.
While students are outside observing squirrel nests they could also record seed burying behaviour to explore the significant ecological role of these animals in determining plant composition. A class could examine food caches and collect data on seed types to learn how squirrels increase forest diversity. This information could be used to increase community knowledge about the vital role of all native animal species in maintaining a healthy environment, even those that we often consider 'pests”.
Relevant Curriculum Units
The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.
- Step 1Select a province
- Alberta
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 4
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions.
- Investigating change and the diversity of Earth’s systems helps us to develop understandings of the conditions necessary to sustain life.
- Grade 6
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Trees and Forests
- British Columbia
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 3
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Science 3: Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems
- Grade 4
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
- Manitoba
- Newfoundland & Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 3
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Growth & Changes in Plants
- Grade 4
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Habitats and Communities
- Grade 6
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Biodiversity
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 3
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Living Things
- Grade 4
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Living Things
- Grade 5
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Living Things
- Grade 6
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Living Things
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon Territory
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 3
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Science 3: Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems
- Grade 4
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
Themes Addressed
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Ecosystems (1)
- Appreciating the Natural World
