Appreciation of Animals in the Elements of Water, Air, and Land
2-LS4-1This three-part unit introduces students to the salmon, red-tailed hawk, and mountain lion as key species representing the water, air, and land ecosystems of California. Across each 60-minute session, students explore how these animals live, survive, and contribute to their environments, to understand why Native peoples in California hold a deep respect for them. In Session 1, students study the salmon’s life cycle, including its migration between freshwater and saltwater, the importance of clean, shaded rivers, and the impact of pollution and drought on its survival. Through discussion, partner work, and short writing prompts, students build a foundational understanding of the salmon’s environmental needs and cultural significance. Session 2 shifts focus to the red-tailed hawk, emphasizing its role as a top predator and its adaptations for hunting, nesting, and raising young. Students learn how hawks contribute to balanced ecosystems by controlling rodent populations, supporting both natural systems and human agriculture. In Session 3, students explore the mountain lion’s powerful body and sharp senses, its hunting techniques, and its role in maintaining healthy deer populations. They discuss how mountain lions use terrain to stalk prey and how they support biodiversity through their interactions with other animals. Each session ends with students compiling their learning into a personalized booklet, reinforcing content through writing, drawing, and storytelling—encouraging students to reflect on their relationship with the natural world and their responsibilities as environmental stewards.