Biomes Unit - Biomes Nonfiction Reading Passages, Plant Adaptations & Word Wall

These engaging differentiated reading passages and visual word wall are a must for your biomes unit, nonfiction reading, or guided reading groups!

Each topic comes with 3 leveled reading passages containing the same educational material & vocabulary, only varying by reading level. Reading level on these passages range from Grade Level Equivalents of 2.5-5.5. Please take a peek at the passages in the preview to ensure they are appropriate for your students. All follow-up activities are thoughtfully planned to align to the ELA Common Core.

Also included is a beautiful, visual word wall with 54 Biomes vocabulary terms that are included in the passages (plus a few extra). The word wall is also available with all white background for a less color printing option.

1. Biomes Differentiated Reading Passages:

Biomes Reading Passages: (16 total)

-“All About Biomes” Introduction (1)

-“All About the Aquatic Biome” (3 Passages, 3 Pages each)

-“All About the Desert Biome” (3 Passages, 2 Pages each)

-“All About the Grassland Biome” (3 Passages, 2 Pages each)

-“All About the Tundra Biome” (3 Passages, 1 Page each)

-“All About the Forest Biome” (3 Passages, 3 Pages each)

Student Materials for Each Passage:

• Vocabulary Preview Charts: Included are 2 options with vocabulary terms only or a chart with the image & definition filled-in.

• Finding Text Evidence: Students color code text evidence in the passage and then write a written response in their own words.

• Graphic Organizer: This is perfect for note-taking and comprehension follow up. The format varies by biome.

• Caption It! Students match images to their captions in a cut and glue activity.

• Using Text Features: Students sort the text feature from the passage onto a graphic organizer and explain its purpose and how it is helpful to the reader.

• Vocabulary Crossword

• Interactive Graphic Organizer: Cut, glue, fold, and write! Students fill in information about each biome's sub-biomes into a 2 page interactive graphic organizer.

• Sub-biomes Venn Diagrams: Students compare and contrast the sub-biomes of each major biome (i.e. arctic vs. alpine tundra).

Also Includes:

• Compare & Contrast Venn Diagrams: (3) Students organize information from the passages to fill in Venn Diagrams comparing the major biomes.

• Using Text Evidence: This is an activity where students pack a hypothetical suitcase to bring to a biome. “I’m going to the _____ biome and I need to bring…”

• Research Extension: This is a graphic organizer for students to research plant and animal adaptations for a biome.

• Biomes Sort: Students cut and paste information about each biome onto a sorting mat.

• Biomes Picture Dictionary: This works well as a cumulative writing piece after reading about each biome.

• Blank Copies of all Activity Templates: These blank templates provide instructional flexibility.

2. Plant Adaptations (by Biome) Differentiated Reading

• Vocabulary Preview Charts: Included are 2 options with vocabulary terms only or a chart with the image & definition filled-in.

• “Plant Adaptations”: ~3 Pages per passage~ Plant adaptations are organized by biome. Includes descriptions of each of the 5 major biomes (aquatic, desert, grassland, forest, tundra) and how plants have adapted to each environment.

• Finding Text Evidence: 2 Pages each with highlighter or crayon color coding options accompanied by a written response in student's own words.

• Caption It!: Students match images to their captions in a cut and glue activity.

• Graphic Organizer: This is perfect for note-taking and comprehension follow up. It also includes images to cut & sort by biome.

• Interactive “Lift the Flap” Book (2 Pages) This book provides students an opportunity to get creative and includes more space to add detail than the graphic organizer.

• Vocabulary Crossword

• Venn Diagrams: Students compare plant adaptions between 2 biomes.

• Plant Adaptations Research Graphic Organizer (by biome)

3. Biomes Word Wall

54 Biomes Terms Include:

biomes

aquatic biome

desert

grassland

tundra

forest

terrestrial

aquatic

abiotic

biotic

climate

adapt

species

diverse

sediment

photosynthesis

arid

precipitation

conserve

vegetation

nocturnal

tropical

temperate

drought

humus

fertile

arctic

alpine

permafrost

hibernate

altitude

deciduous

canopy

moisture

camouflage

conifer

adaptation

habitat

predator

spines

defense

bark

fauna

flora

environment

pond

lake

river

wetland

coral reef

estuary

savanna

taiga

rainforest

This product is also part of the Science & ELA Integration Bundle, which is enough differentiated reading passages for the entire year!

Check out some more great resources below!

-Solar System Differentiated Reading Passages Grades 3-6

-Plants Differentiated Reading Passages

-Reading & ELA Comprehension Strategy Posters, Graphic Organizers, & Activities