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Learn About Michigan's Species

Articles/Websites

Grades3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8Biology

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Open Resource

What it is

  • This resource contains detailed information about Michigan plants and animals, with separate sections for birds, fish, crayfish, insects, mammals, plants and trees, and reptiles and amphibians.
  • Each species has a beautiful image and links to information about the habitat, food sources, life cycle, and tips for identification.

Teaching tips

Positives
  • This resource contains a wealth of information and links to other, reputable organizations for even more to learn.
  • Students will love the vivid photographs and pictures of Michigan species.
Prerequisites
  • Students, especially those who are easily overwhelmed, will benefit from a graphic organizer or other guidance for exploring the resource.
  • The page for insects only includes information for a few butterflies, and the rest of the insect-related information is not as user-friendly as the other pages.
Differentiation & Implementation
  • Students can use this resource as a starting point for a species research project.
  • Using this resource as a guide, students can go birdwatching and identify the local birds they see.
  • Using the Field Guide to Michigan Crayfish as a mentor text, students can create versions of field guides for the other types of species in Michigan.
  • Teachers with the capability to do so can plan a field trip to the MSU Bug House.

From the scientist review

This resource offers detailed descriptions on a number of the most common flora and fauna in Michigan. Descriptions are detailed and linked to verifiable information. This resource is recommended for teaching.
How we review resources

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Hosted on michigan.gov

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