describe ways in which humans can affect the natural world (e.g., urban development forces some species to go elsewhere and enables other species to multiply too rapidly; conservation areas can be established to protect specific habitats);

construct food chains that include different plant and animal species and humans (e.g., grass -> cattle -> humans);

show the effects on plants and animals of the loss of their natural habitat (e.g., nesting sites of ducks may be destroyed when a dam is built);

identify, through observation, various factors that affect plants and animals in a specific habitat (e.g., availability of water, food sources, light; ground features; weather conditions);

recognize that animals and plants live in specific habitats because they are dependent on those habitats and have adapted to them (e.g., ducks live in marshes because they need marsh plants for food and shelter and water for movement);

demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of habitat and community, and identify the factors that could affect habitats and communities of plants and animals;

communicate ideas and information for a variety of purposes and to specific audiences (e.g., write a brief research report on a class investigation for classmates);

begin to write for more complex purposes (e.g., to present and discuss their opinions and viewpoints, to pose questions, to record information);

develop their opinions by reading a variety of materials;

begin to develop research skills (e.g., formulate questions, locate information, clarify their understanding of information through discussion);

understand specialized terms in different subject areas (e.g., science, technology);