In this Grade 3 lesson from Science: A Closer Look, Chapter 2, students explore how Earth's ecosystems differ by examining key characteristics such as climate, soil composition, and the types of plants and animals each supports. Students learn to identify and compare specific ecosystems including deserts, forests, oceans, and wetlands, and investigate why certain animals like brine shrimp can only survive in salt water rather than fresh water. The lesson builds foundational science skills in observation, data interpretation, and comparing and contrasting land and water ecosystems.
Section 1
Ecosystems Support Different Living Things
Earth has various ecosystems classified by climate, soil, plants, and animals. Deserts are dry with sandy soil, forests contain many trees, oceans hold salt water, and wetlands remain covered with water.
Section 2
Soil Provides Essential Nutrients to Plants
Soil consists of rock bits and humus (decomposed plant and animal matter). Rich soil holds water and nutrients, while desert soil lacks humus. Forest soil quality varies between tropical and temperate regions.
Section 3
Water Ecosystems Maintain Different Life Forms
Oceans contain salt water where most life thrives in sunlit shallows. Wetlands, often found along water edges, prevent flooding and help clean water. Both ecosystems support diverse animal populations.
Section 4
Climate Shapes Ecosystem Characteristics
Weather patterns determine ecosystem types. Deserts receive little rainfall with extreme temperature shifts. Tropical forests remain warm and wet year-round, while temperate forests experience seasonal changes with cold winters.
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Section 1
Ecosystems Support Different Living Things
Earth has various ecosystems classified by climate, soil, plants, and animals. Deserts are dry with sandy soil, forests contain many trees, oceans hold salt water, and wetlands remain covered with water.
Section 2
Soil Provides Essential Nutrients to Plants
Soil consists of rock bits and humus (decomposed plant and animal matter). Rich soil holds water and nutrients, while desert soil lacks humus. Forest soil quality varies between tropical and temperate regions.
Section 3
Water Ecosystems Maintain Different Life Forms
Oceans contain salt water where most life thrives in sunlit shallows. Wetlands, often found along water edges, prevent flooding and help clean water. Both ecosystems support diverse animal populations.
Section 4
Climate Shapes Ecosystem Characteristics
Weather patterns determine ecosystem types. Deserts receive little rainfall with extreme temperature shifts. Tropical forests remain warm and wet year-round, while temperate forests experience seasonal changes with cold winters.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter