Overview of the unit

Students-as-scientists investigate ant needs and ant behavior. They find out that ants help plants live and grow by spreading seeds and providing a place for plants to live and grow. Ants serve as a food source for some animals so they can live and grow. Students observe plants growing around the school. Students argue that plants need water and light to live and grow and that animals need water and food to live and grow. Students obtain information about animals that eat plants or other animals for food. Students analyze and interpret data that plants and animals live and grow in places that have what they need. Students identify patterns in the needs of plants and animals. To identify a pattern, students compare multiple observations of plants and animals. Students argue that plants and animals change their environment.

Materials available

Link to Unit and Materials

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Acknowledgements

How Do Ants Help the Plants and Animals of the Woods? Grade K Life Science Unit was developed by:

• Rita Januszyk and Alison Haas (unit writers)
• Valerie Joyner for her input to the unit with an understanding of kindergarten students
• Kindergarten teachers and students at Avery Coonley School, Downers Grove, Illinois