Aquatic Habitats, GEMS Teacher's Guide (K-3)

Contact Information

Phone: 510-642-7771

Street Address: Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California Berkeley, 1 Centennial Drive
Berkeley, California 94720-5200

Last Updated: 11-21-2004

Compendium Resource

Reviewer Comments

General Content
Very detailed and extensive description and activities for classroom study."

"Concepts are supported in depth by the activities."

Presentation
"Summary outlines in the back clarify teaching objectives."

Pedagogy
"Excellent materials—all hands-on and very engaging."

"Strong integration of science and mathematics."

Teacher Usability
"Excellent background information."

"Desktop pond equipment [for Aquatic Habitats] is expensive."

Focus on Communities
"Less focus on the interactions of human and natural communities, more on natural communities."

EE Program/Resource ss Details

Provided by: Great Explorations in Math and Science (GEMS) University of California, Berkeley

Description: Two GEMS guides were reviewed at this grade-group level. Adapted from the Marine Activities, Resources & Education (MARE) program of Lawrence Hall of Science. Aquatic Habitats (1998, 136 p., $16.00) is based on the development of desktop ponds, observed and monitored over several weeks among students in grades 2—6. Natural processes, aquatic life behavior, adaptations, and life cycles are witnessed as students systematically add one type of organism, such as fish, to the system. Through activities and reflection, students begin to understand the concepts of community and interdependence with ecosystems. GEMS activities address both National Science Education Standards and Benchmarks for Science Literacy. Appendices include resources, assessment suggestions, and literature connections.

Web Address: http://www.lhsgems.org

Program/Resource Type: Class/Workshop, Curriculum

Audience Served: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Cost: $16

EE Focus: Ecosystems-Coast/Marine, Ecosystems-Wetlands, Nature Awareness, Plants & Animals, Stewardship, Water

Academic Focus: History/Social Sciences, Science

Counties Served: Statewide

View Sample Pages (PDF)

Report Card

Overall Grade
General Content
Presentation
Pedagogy
Teacher Usability
Community

A-
A-
B+
A
A-
A-

Discipline Emphasis

Science
History/Social Science
Health
Mathematics
Visual/Performing Arts
Language Arts
Industrial/Vocational Ed.
Foreign Language