Mangrove Story & Model
Changing Environments
30 minutes
Whole class demonstration, small group exploration
Science
Learning Objective
Show how plants change environments using local mangrove examples
Materials Needed
- Photos of local mangroves
- Sand table or large tray
- Sand
- Toy plants with roots
- Watering can
- Small stones
Preparation
- 1Gather photos of mangroves from local area
- 2Set up sand table demonstration
- 3Practice the demonstration
- 4Prepare simple story about mangroves
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1Show pictures of mangroves and tell simple story about how they grow
- 2Explain: 'Mangroves have special roots that hold the sand together'
- 3Use sand table to demonstrate: pour water on sand without plants (erosion)
- 4Add toy plants with roots and pour water again (less erosion)
- 5Discuss: 'How do the mangroves change the beach?'
- 6Let children try the demonstration in small groups
Assessment
- Does the child understand that plants can change their environment?
- Can the child explain how mangrove roots help the beach?
- Does the child make connections to other plants they know?
Extensions
- Compare with plants in the schoolyard that prevent erosion
- Draw pictures of mangroves and their roots
- Visit mangroves if accessible
- Discuss why mangroves are important to protect
Teaching Tips
- Use simple language: 'hold together', 'wash away'
- Let children get hands-on with the demonstration
- Connect to children's experience with beaches
- Emphasize the positive role of plants