This lesson allows students to study and learn the names and characteristics of Earth's six major biomes. The biomes are introduced with a slideshow presentation. A paper-folding poster activity gives students the opportunity to reinforce what they have learned. The culminating activity, a diorama, provides an avenue for creativity as students create a three-dimensional model of a biome.

Plain, unlined paper (no smaller than 8-1/2 x 11); colored pencils, crayons, and/or markers; shoe boxes (not boot size); construction paper; scissors; glue; large index cards; other materials as desired for creating dioramas (i.e. magazines for pictures, etc.)

Computer with Internet access, computer projection system such as LCD projector or TV scan converter

Students should already have a knowledge of ecosystems, populations, communities, and habitats. In addition, knowledge of special animal adaptations make the lesson more meaningful.

1.)Present the attached slideshow on Earth's Six Major Biomes. Engage students in discussion of information presented. Visit the following website for an interactive biome map.
(Interactive Biomes Map)
Interactive biome map.

2.)Using a large sheet of paper (minimum 11 x 14), ask students to fold paper in half vertically and then in thirds horizontally. The fold lines will divide the paper into six equal sections. The students should then label the poster they are creating "Earth's Six Major Biomes." Each of the six sections should contain a label identifying that section as one of the six major biomes. A brief description of the biome as well as an illustration depicting plants and animals of each should be included. Markers, crayons, or colored pencils should be used to color each picture and to accent the title and labels. See attachments for a reproducable instruction sheet.

3.)Students will create a diorama in a shoe box depicting one of the six major biomes. The students should choose one of the biomes and use Internet resources and/or the slideshow presented at the beginning of the lesson to identify characteristics that should be included in the diorama. The diorama should show both plant and animal life in the biome chosen. The attached form can be used to give to students for specific project requirements.
(Enchanted Learning - Biomes)
Information on biomes and habitats

4.)
(The World's Biomes)
More information about biomes.

Assessment for this lesson is in two parts. An initial assessment of the students' paper-folding poster activity will be done using a rubric (see attached) on which the teacher will indicate the presence/absence of each of the six major biomes and an appropriate illustration of each. The second assessment will also be in the form of a rubric (see attached) that allows the teacher to mark the presence/absence of the necessary components of each student's diorama.

Visit Biomes for interactive games and other activities about biomes of the world.
Wild World, from National Geographic, features sights/sounds and additional information on habitats around the world.