LESSON PLAN FORMAT

University of North Texas

Art Education

I. Lesson Number: 1
Grade Level: 3rd Grade
Title of Lesson: Habitats in Nature
Duration: 1 class period, 50 minutes
II. Lesson Rationale:
This beginning lesson will introduce the students to the most concrete example of home, specifically
looking at physical habitats and ecosystems in the natural world. The day will focus on learning
about homes in nature while exemplifying understanding through the students descriptions of
specific habitats through group discussion, writing and sketching. This lesson will include videos
and a contemporary artwork example to help reinforce learning and understanding of habitats in
relation to the Enduring Idea of Home.
III. Key Concepts:
- Home can provide shelter/protection.
IV. Essential Question:
- How do homes provide shelter/protection?
V. Lesson Objectives:
- The student will be able to define what a habitat is in relation to the concept of home.
- The student will be able to articulate the components of habitats.
- The student will be able to describe the potential purposes for habitats.
VI. Summative Assessment and Evaluation:
Rubric for Evaluation
Habitat definition
Full Credit
Describes what a habitat is, what purpose it serves (shelter), and the
physical pieces in a habitat.
Partial Credit
Somewhat describes what a habitat is, what purpose it serves
(shelter), and the physical pieces in a habitat.
Little or No Credit
Gives little or no description of what a habitat is, what purpose it
serves (shelter), and the physical pieces in a habitat.
VII. Specific Art Content:
- Contemporary artists and artwork
VIII. Art TEKS
117.111. Art, Grade 3, Adopted 2013.
(1) Foundations: observation and perception. The student is expected to:
(A) explore ideas from life experiences about self, peers, family, school, or community
and from the imagination as sources for original works of art.
IX. National Art Standards
Anchor Standard 1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
VA:Cr1.1.3a
Elaborate on an imaginative idea.

X. Interdisciplinary Connections:
- Science: terms such as habitat, ecosystem, ecology, and species will be brought up, although
there will not be assessments based on defining any of the terms except for habitat.
- English: students will be writing.
XI. Resources, Materials and Technology for Teacher:
- Computer
- Internet access
- Projector with sound and screen
- Blackboard or whiteboard with corresponding writing implements
XII. Resources, Materials and Technology for Students:
- Paper
- Pencil
XIII. Instruction and Its Sequencing:
Day 1:
1. Introduction/Motivation:
- Show the contemporary art videos (via YouTube) of Mark Dions Neukom Vivarium and
Takashi Amanos Aquarium installations.
- Describe how Dions and Amanos artworks have homes for other living creatures in them.
- Watch videos about habitats in nature.
2. Guided Practice:
- Discussion using the following questions:
o Does anyone know what a habitat is?
o What homes do you think animals live in?
o How do homes provide shelter/protection?
- Ask if anyone has seen Finding Nemo and draw a clownfish living in the sea anemone and
coral.
- Describe how the anemone and coral is Nemos home/habitat.
3. Independent Practice:
- Students will define habitat in writing, answering the purpose of habitats and the pieces that
make them up.
4. Closure:
- Ensure the names are on the students works and retrieve students writings.
5. Formative Assessment:
- Check that all the students wrote at least something referencing habitat/home. If not, consult
with student individually, describing what a habitat is and the purpose of the lesson.
6. Accommodations for Student Differences:

Consult with students who might have difficulty with the lesson and consider behavioral or
sensory accommodations.

7. Classroom Management Procedures:

- If there is excessive talking/disruption, address the students accordingly.
- Take away any materials that are being used improperly/unsafely.
XIV. References & Resources:
- Habitat videos - http://www.discoveryeducation.com/
- Neukom Vivarium video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2tZvAtH9z0
- Aquarium videos
o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-g3xjs55r4
o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZGleTattRo