Club Pathway: Plant to Predator
In "Plant to Predator," kids explore food webs and ecosystems not just in the mountains, but right in their own neighborhood, too. They also practice science process skills, such as recording and analyzing data and communicating results. This pathway was designed as a sequence that weaves together PLUM LANDING media resources, including animations, videos, and games, with outdoor exploration and hands-on activities. Each day offers approximately one hour of programming.
Today you'll introduce your kids to PLUM LANDING and to a mountain ecosystem. Start out by having kids watch A Peek at the Peak and Moose Mania, two short animated videos about mountain ecosystems. Then do the related hands-on activity Pin the Moose on the Mountain.
Continue exploring ecosystems and food webs in your neighborhood by completing the "Explore Some More" activities listed at the end of Pin the Moose on the Mountain. If time permits, wrap up your day by heading to the computer lab to complete several Nature Sketchpad missions.
Now that kids have been introduced to a mountain, play the mountain ecosystem games Rocky Mountain Roundup and Mountain Scramble. Have a discussion using the "Conversation Starters" associated with each game. If time permits, wrap up your day with one of the associated "Explore Some More" activities.
Today is all about collecting data in different habitats. Watch Hiking Wachusett, Hiking the Rockies, and Mountain Face-Off, videos about exploring two different mountain ecosystems. Have a discussion using the "Conversation Starters" at the end of the videos. Then, head outdoors to complete one or more of the "Explore Some More" ideas listed at the end of the videos.
Wrap up the unit by exploring mountains around the world and telling Plum all about YOUR world. Watch Earth to Blorb: Mountains!, have a discussion with the "Conversation Starters," and complete one of the related "Explore Some More" activities. End the day with a sharing session where kids read aloud their letters to Plum.