Lesson Summary Students focus on the concept of habitat as the place that provides what an organism needs to survive: food, water, shelter, space, air, and light.  They examine the school environment to determine whether it is a complete habitat for them. Teacher Background This lesson will introduce the 6 basic needs of a habitat:  food, water, shelter, air, space, and light.  These needs will be reviewed throughout the unit so that students can thoughtfully discuss habitats and the needs that are provided. Set-up/Management Tips This lesson can be broken into 3 parts; Session 2 and 3 are good to do the same day. You will need a copy of your school map, the simpler the better for 1 and 2nd graders.  While exploring the school, clipboards are a great surface for them to write on. Decide how you will explore the school: either together or in groups.  If exploring in groups, ask for volunteers or other adults for each group. Literacy Support Crinkleroot’s Guide To Knowing Animal Habitats, Arnosky, Jim ©2000 I See a Kookaburra! : Discovering Animal Habitats Around the World, Jenkins, Steve ©2005 Sand, Leaf, or Coral Reef : A Book About Animal Habitats, Stockland, Patricia ©2005 Scientific Vocabulary Habitat Food Water Shelter Air Space Light