Habitats

In Year 3, our theme this term has been about Habitats.

First we looked at Ocean Habitats - it was interesting to find out that the ocean is actually divided into three different habitats - the Sunlight Zone near the surface where light penetrates so seaweed can grow and visibility is good; then deeper down, the Twilight Zone which is darker and colder and then finally, the Midnight Zone so deep that there is no light or no plants growing - only creatures that can hunt in the dark and withstand the terrible water pressure on their bodies.

Next, we looked at Rainforest Habitats.  It was interesting to see that you could divide them into layers similar to the Ocean in terms of light.  There is an Emergent Layer at the top of the tallest trees where tree tops get the most sun and wind; then a Canopy Layer made up of smaller trees which are somewhat shaded by the taller ones; and finally a Shrub Layer near the ground which is darker and moist.  Creatures can move between layers in the Rainforest, but tend to spend most of their time in the layer to which they are most suited.

After that, we read books on EPIC about Desert Habitats and Polar Habitats and did some note taking about each - it was interesting to see what was the same and what was different between two very different habitats.

Finally, to finish this theme, we will be choosing one animal to writing an information report about it.  WATCH THIS SPACE!