Biomes - The Living Landscapes of Earth (Playlist)
The playlist "Biomes - The Living Landscapes of Earth" contains a series of educational videos that explore various biomes found across the planet. Each video delves into a specific biome, discussing its unique climate, vegetation, animal life, and ecological significance. The playlist covers a wide range of ecosystems, including forests, deserts, tundras, grasslands, and aquatic environments. If you are using the slideshow from this site, it covers three of the six biomes discussed in that slideshow. Though the energy of the narrator's voice can seem a little dosile, there is lots of time that is comprised of visuals where your energetic voice can add some key pieces of information!
National Geographic: Deserts 101
In "National Geographic: Deserts 101," viewers are introduced to the unique characteristics of desert biomes. The video explains that deserts are defined by their arid climate, receiving less than 10 inches (25 cm) of rain annually. It explores the different types of deserts, including hot deserts like the Sahara and cold deserts like Antarctica, highlighting their extreme temperatures and the adaptations of plants and animals that survive in such harsh environments. The video also places emphasis on the diversity of life in deserts, from cacti and succulents to animals like camels, lizards, and insects, all of which have evolved specialized features to conserve water and endure the heat or cold.
National Geographic: Rainforests 101
In "National Geographic: Rainforests 101," the video delves into the rich biodiversity and unique characteristics of rainforests, which are some of the most vital and diverse ecosystems on Earth. It explains that rainforests are characterized by high rainfall, with some receiving up to 100 inches (250 cm) of rain per year, and a warm, humid climate. Viewers learn about the two main types of rainforests: tropical and temperate. The video highlights the dense vegetation and towering trees that form multiple layers in the rainforest, from the forest floor to the canopy.
National Geographic: What Are Tundras?
In "National Geographic: What Are Tundras," viewers are introduced to the tundra biome, one of the coldest and harshest environments on Earth. The video explains that tundras are treeless regions found primarily in the Arctic and Antarctic, as well as on high mountain ranges. These areas are characterized by their frigid temperatures, short growing seasons, and permafrost—soil that remains frozen year-round.The video highlights the adaptations of plants and animals that survive in the tundra’s extreme conditions. Despite its barren appearance, the tundra is home to a variety of life, including hardy plants like mosses and lichens, as well as animals such as caribou, arctic foxes, and migratory birds.
Our Planet (Playlist)
"Our Planet" is a stunning documentary that explores the fascinating ecosystems of some of the world’s harshest and most resilient environments. Each episode highlights the incredible adaptations of wildlife that survive in each biome, from agile predators to resourceful prey. With breathtaking cinematography, it showcases the delicate balance of life in these biomes, where species rely on each other to thrive. The documentary also touches on the impact of human activities and climate change on these fragile ecosystems. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for conservation efforts to preserve these vital habitats. For the outcomes of Science 6 - Living Systems, you may want to focus on the episodes "From Deserts to Grasslands," "Fresh Water," and "Forests."
NASA - 10 Interesting Things About Ecosystems
This collection of animations walks students through ten of the major biomes found around our planet, and presents them with some critical facts involved with each one. Though there are some interesting facts here, this is more of an animated slideshow than a simulation/interactive game.