INTRODUCTION     The following information is based on Kindergarten to Grade 4 Science: Manitoba Curriculum Framework of Outcomes which itself is based on the Pan-Canadian's Common Framework of Science Learning Outcomes (K - 12). Each outcome includes a brief description of the outcome, teacher background information, suggestions for instruction, a list of the general learning outcomes (GLOs) covered and overall skills and attitudes (cluster 0 outcomes) addressed in the outcome. Each outcome also contains a page number reference to the Manitoba Education and Youth document entitled "Kindergarten to Grade 4 Science: A Foundation for Implementation" (1999). Also, where appropriate, worksheets, activities and examples have been included.     To download these activities and/or worksheets (A=Activity... W=Worksheet...), right click on the corresponding colour button(s) for each learning outcome. Select "Save Target As" to save the exercises to your computer as Adobe PDF files. To view these files, open Adobe Acrobat Reader and open the PDF files. To download a free copy of the reader, click here.

Every living thing has basic needs. Humans need food, water, shelter, oxygen, and space. Other organisms may have the same needs. They may also have different needs. For example, plants need carbon dioxide instead of oxygen. They also need sunlight and soil in order to grow and live.     Many needs of fish are similar to the needs of other animals. However, fish also have their own specific needs, like good water quality and appropriate water temperatures. For more information, refer to Background Information in "Plant and Animal Needs".

In this activity, students will discuss and research the needs of plants and animals using the pictures provided. Each picture showcases various Manitoba animal species. Research and information can be recorded using concept maps and compare and contrast frames (see "Plant and Animal Needs" activity). As a follow-up activity, students can complete a writing assignment, where they will write a thank you letter to the environment from the perspective of a fish.     This activity can also be printed in colouring book format so students can colour the different animal scenes.

Plants are an integral part of aquatic life. As producers, they are an important part of the food chain, feeding many organisms in an aquatic ecosystem, including fish.     Plants also provide shelter for fish from the sun and from other fish. Plants are an important part of spawning and rearing habitats.     Another important function of plants is to provide oxygen in the water for fish and other organisms, and to act as a water filter. For details and further information, see Teacher Background Information in "How do plants help fish?"

Students will create their own fish cards that explain different ways plants help fish. They will have the opportunity to write and illustrate the ideas. Once completed, display their colourful fish around the classroom!

First Nations peoples have used tools made from plants for a very long time. These tools were used for hunting, eating, playing, and many other activities.     Specifically, First Nations peoples made fishing tools made of plants or plant parts. These included nets, clubs, and spears. The type of tool used usually depended on which part of Manitoba they lived in and which species was being harvested. For more information, refer to Teacher Background Information in "Fishing tools made of plants" or click here to visit the Domestic Fishing section under the Manitoba Fisheries website.

Students will identify fishing tools made from plant parts. These fishing tools were used by First Nations people long ago. See if they can describe or demonstrate how these tools were used!

Plants are a very important part of the food chain. Plants are producers, meaning they use chlorophyll and the process of photosynthesis to produce their own food. They are also a food source for many small organisms and animals, which in turn are a food source for larger animals. They also produce oxygen, which animals use to breathe. Without plants, no life could exist.     For more information about the importance of plants in an ecosystem, refer to Teacher Background Information in "String Web Game" and "Clean Stream".

This fun activity will show students what can happen to animal life when there are no plants. Students will also use string to create food chains and webs.     With this fun hands-on experiment, students will discover how plants act as nature's water filter! Assembly and clean up are required.