How Roads Affect Wildlife and the Environment
Provided by: Mongabay Kids|Published on: May 8, 2026|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 4, 5, 6
Type: Articles/Websites
Subjects: Science
Authors: Mongabay Kids
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This illustrated article explains how roads impact plants, animals, and their habitats.
- The article incorporates examples from ecosystems around the world and introduces key ecological concepts such as habitat fragmentation and wildlife corridors.
- This is Part 1 of a series. Teachers can find Part 2 here.
Teaching Materials
Prerequisites:
- Consider defining the terms noise pollution, light pollution, erosion, and invasive plants.
Classroom Implementation:
- Activate students' background knowledge by asking what they have already experienced or seen when it comes to animals and roads.
- Consider providing a graphic organizer to help students note the impacts of roads on the environment.
Literacy Connections:
- If students are unfamiliar with the terms erosion or fragmentation, have them use the context clues in this reading to construct a definition of the term.
- Discuss how the illustrations helped provide information or clarify information that was in the text.
Extensions:
- Connect to local context by asking students to examine satellite imagery of their community and identify roads that may bisect natural areas.
- Have students research one animal species affected by road fragmentation in their region and propose a mitigation strategy.
This resource uses drawings and text to teach students how roads affect their surrounding environment. The discussion is very thorough, yet still accessible to younger learners. Key terms are italicized and clearly defined in the text. All claims are presented logically, with evidence to support all assertions. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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