The tundra biome is a cold, largely treeless environment with a short growing season. Arctic tundra occurs at high northern latitudes, while alpine tundra grows above mountain tree lines. Low-growing plants, hardy animals, and seasonal changes make it a useful topic for comparing habitats and adaptations. Use the books, printables, activities, and background facts below […]
Themes: Biomes
What are Biomes?
A biome is a broad type of environment characterized by its climate and the kinds of organisms that live there. Land biomes include forests, grasslands, deserts, and tundra. Aquatic environments are commonly grouped into freshwater and marine biomes. Similar biome types can occur in different parts of the world. This guide explains biome types, living […]
Types of Biomes
There are many different types of biomes, each with their own unique characteristics and inhabitants. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common biomes found around the world. What are Biomes? Biomes are large areas of land that share similar climate, vegetation, and animal life. One of the biggest factors that determines what […]
The Rainforest Biome: Resources for the Classroom
Tropical rainforests are warm, wet forests with dense vegetation and many kinds of wildlife. Trees and climbing plants form layers from the forest floor to the canopy. This rainforest biome guide brings together background facts, books, printables, and activities for a classroom or homeschool unit study. Use the resources below to explore rainforest layers, plants, […]
The Ocean Biome
The ocean biome includes Earth’s connected saltwater habitats, from coral reefs and kelp forests to the deep sea. It covers about 70 percent of the planet’s surface and supports animals ranging from tiny drifting organisms to blue whales. This guide combines ocean facts with books, printables, crafts, and classroom activities for a unit study. Curriculum […]
The Desert Biome
The desert biome is defined by scarce precipitation, not by heat alone. Deserts can be hot or cold, sandy or rocky. Their plants and animals conserve water in different ways, from water-storing cactus stems to nighttime activity and sheltering in burrows. Use the books, printables, crafts, and experiments below to plan a desert unit study. […]
The Temperate Forest Biome
Temperate forests grow in regions with seasonal changes and enough moisture to support trees. They may be deciduous, evergreen, or mixed, and include habitats ranging from oak woodlands to rainy conifer forests. Their plants and animals respond to changes in daylight, temperature, and food availability. Use the books, printables, experiments, and hands-on activities below to […]
The Wetland Biome
Wetlands are places where water covers the ground or saturates the soil for part or all of the year. Marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens support different communities of plants and animals. Many wetlands also help store floodwater and improve water quality. Use this collection of books, printables, crafts, and experiments to plan a wetland unit […]
The Grassland Biome
The grassland biome is an open landscape dominated by grasses, with few trees or scattered trees in savannas. Grasslands include temperate prairies and steppes as well as tropical savannas. Rainfall, grazing, and fire help shape these habitats and the plants and animals that live there. Use the books, printables, crafts, and classroom activities below to […]
Free Printable Biomes of Australia
Explore biomes of Australia with free Montessori-style photo and label cards. Use the cards for matching and vocabulary, then pair them with a map to compare the pictured landscapes and locate Australia. The printable is a starting point for a geography unit. Encourage children to describe what they see in each photograph and compare it […]
Free Printable Biomes of North America
Explore biomes of North America with free Montessori-style photo and label cards. Use them for matching, vocabulary, and comparing landscapes. The guide below introduces deserts, grasslands, temperate and tropical forests, wetlands, Arctic tundra, and mountain habitats. A biome is a broad type of environment characterized by its conditions and communities of organisms. These are selected […]