Summary:

A television documentary miniseries that originally aired on the History Channel. The series explores the engineering and/or architectural feats that were characteristic of notable societies and cultures.

Planet Earth Episodes

Planet Earth II Episodes

How to Use it:

Science

• Compare two ecosystems from different episodes (rainforest vs. tundra).

• Identify food chains and energy flow in each habitat.

• Research an animal’s adaptations and create a labeled diagram.

Geography

• Locate and label each episode’s setting on a world map.

• Discuss how climate and physical geography shape biodiversity.

• Compare continents: which biomes appear most/least frequently?

Language Arts

• Write a journal entry from the perspective of an animal featured in the episode.

• Compose a persuasive letter advocating for the protection of one ecosystem.

• Create poetry inspired by the imagery or sounds of the series.

Math

• Graph population trends or migration distances of species discussed.

• Calculate scale or distance traveled by migrating animals.

• Analyze rainfall or temperature data for featured biomes.

Art

• Draw or paint a landscape or animal from the series.

• Build a 3D biome model (using recyclable materials).

• Create a poster promoting environmental awareness.

Social Studies / Civics

• Research human cultures that live sustainably within the ecosystems shown.

• Debate resource use vs. conservation from different cultural perspectives.

Learning Topics:

• Science

• Life Science

Discussion Questions:

1. What was the most amazing thing you saw in this episode, and why?

2. How do plants and animals depend on each other in the ecosystem shown?

3. What are some examples of animal or plant adaptations you noticed?

4. How do humans affect the ecosystems shown in this episode — both positively and negatively?

5. How does the biodiversity differ between different parts of the world shown in Planet Earth?