Biomes of the World

Biomes are geography's great synthesis — climate, plants, animals, and humans all shaped by latitude and elevation. The elementary child loves this kind of pattern across the globe.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Cultural Studies
• Learning area: Geography
• Level: Ages 7-8

Objectives

• Identify the major biomes: rainforest, desert, tundra, grassland, temperate forest, taiga, savanna, ocean, freshwater
• Understand the climate that defines each biome
• Name representative plants and animals
• Map biomes on a world chart

Materials

• Biome map of the world
• Biome cards with representative flora and fauna
• Reference books and field guides
• Large blank world map for the child to label

Instructions

1. Present the biome map and name the nine major biomes. 2. Describe each by climate: rainfall, temperature. 3. Show representative animals and plants. 4. Match biome cards to regions on the map. 5. Research a single biome in depth: its ecology, threats, indigenous people. 6. Sketch or build a biome diorama. 7. Compare two biomes. 8. Discuss threats: deforestation, climate change, ice melt. 9. Connect to local biome (where we live).

Educator tip

Invite children to choose a biome they are drawn to and go deep. A personal biome becomes a lifelong curiosity.

Assessment

Note accuracy of mapping, depth of chosen research, and connections between climate and life.

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