Biomes and Regions
Fourth graders have started learning about our new science and social studies topics of study– biomes and ecosystems in science, and regions and the 50 states in social studies.
In science, we are studying the various biomes that exist around the world and that make up our biosphere. We watched a video on Biomes and Ecosystems to help give us an overview and review of the different elements of this Life Science unit. We have learned that:
- Biomes are large areas in nature with a variety of species.
- Biomes can be characterized by three main things: the climate and weather of the area, the physical features and landforms, and the plants and animals that live in that area.
- Some of the main biomes, such as forests, can be further broken into specific forests, such as taiga, temperate forests, and rainforests.
- Within each biome, there can be millions of ecosystems, and some ecosystems can be as small and as simple as a tree trunk.
- All living organisms in an ecosystem depend on each other for survival. Every living organism has a role to play in an ecosystem.
- When there are changes in an ecosystem, it can cause problems for one or more of the living organisms that are part of it.
- And so much more!
In social studies, students have started learning about the five regions of the United States. This video will give you an idea of which states belong to the Northwest, West, Southwest, Southeast, and Northeast regions. Students used books, both in the classroom, and through Epic, to research the regions. Along the way, we have learned about agriculture and industries, and how they are just a few of the categories that can make one region different from another.
Ask your fourth grader to tell you a fact about biomes, ecosystems, and our regions!