# School Habitat Garden

## Overview

In this project-based chapter, students learn how to create a habitat garden in their school that attracts and supports a variety of small animals like birds, insects, and small mammals. The project promotes biodiversity and teaches how to identify animals, assess their habitat needs, and design and maintain a self-sustaining ecosystem.

## Key Topics Covered

### 1. Introduction to Habitat Gardening
- Animals like crows, pigeons, squirrels, bats, butterflies live around us.
- Due to shrinking forests and farmlands, animals adapt to cities or face habitat loss.
- School gardens can support these animals by offering food, shelter, water, and space.

### 2. Basic Needs of Animals
- All animals need food, water, shelter, and space.
- Each animal has unique needs:
- Ants need tiny space and dew drops.
- Birds use puddles and plant twigs for nests.
- Butterflies need nectar and wind protection.

### 3. Conservation and Sanctuaries
- Examples: Kaziranga, Bharatpur, Periyar, Kanha.
- Small gardens can be mini sanctuaries in local settings.

### 4. Project Goals
- Identify local animals.
- Learn their needs.
- Design and build a garden.
- Observe and care for garden wildlife.

### 5. Tools and Materials
- **Tools**: Shovels, watering cans, gloves.
- **Plants**: Flowering plants, compost.
- **Non-plant materials**: Logs, bricks, feeders, reused containers.

### 6. Activities to Plan the Garden
- **Activity 1**: Identify local animals and list which to attract or avoid.
- **Activity 2**: Talk to experts like naturalists, gardeners, and entomologists.
- **Activity 3**: Visit nearby natural areas to study animal behavior.
- **Activity 4**: List species-specific needs like food, water, shelter.
- **Activity 5**: Design layout considering sunlight, wind, and quiet zones.

### 7. Building the Garden (Activity 6)
- Choose space (land or pots).
- Clean and prepare soil with compost.
- Plant selected species and add paths, water containers, feeders, shelters.

### 8. Observation and Recording (Activity 7)
- Watch animals in the morning/evening.
- Record behavior of birds, insects, and small mammals.
- Take photos, sketch, or use apps like Seek, eBird, Merlin.

### 9. Maintenance (Activity 8)
- Watering, cleaning, composting, refilling water/feeders.
- Avoid stagnant water and clutter to prevent pests.
- Rotate maintenance duties.

### 10. Presentation and Sharing (Activity 9)
- Label plants and features.
- Make a presentation with purpose, layout, target species, and observations.
- Show during school events like Kaushal Mela.

## New Terms and Simple Definitions

| Term | Definition |
|-------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Habitat | The natural home or environment of an animal or plant |
| Biodiversity | The variety of animals and plants living in an area |
| Mudpuddling | When butterflies gather on moist soil or animal droppings to absorb water and nutrients |
| Windbreak | Trees or walls that protect animals from strong winds |
| Nesting box | A man-made box where birds can make their nests |
| Compost | Decayed organic material used to enrich soil |
| Sanctuary | A protected place where animals are safe and can live freely |
| Naturalist | A person who studies plants and animals by observing them |
| Conservationist | A person who works to protect nature and wildlife |
| Puddling area | A shallow, moist area for insects to drink and get minerals |

## Practice Questions

### Easy (3)
1. **What are the four things animals need to survive in a habitat?**
**Answer**: Food, Water, Shelter, and Space.
**Explanation**: These are the basic requirements for any living creature.

2. **Name two birds that can be attracted to a school habitat garden.**
**Answer**: Sparrow and Sunbird.
**Explanation**: These birds are commonly seen around flowering plants.

3. **Why should you avoid stagnant water in a habitat garden?**
**Answer**: To prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
**Explanation**: Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water, which can spread diseases.

### Medium (2)
4. **Explain why butterflies need windbreaks in a habitat garden.**
**Answer**: Butterflies are delicate and need protection from strong winds.
**Explanation**: Windbreaks help them rest and feed safely on flowers.

5. **What are some non-plant elements that can be used in a habitat garden?**
**Answer**: Gravel, logs, stones, bird feeders, water bowls.
**Explanation**: These help provide shelter, food, or water to animals.

### Difficult (3)
6. **Describe the role of spiders in the food chain within a habitat garden.**
**Answer**: Spiders help control insect populations by eating ants, mosquitoes, and flies.
**Explanation**: This maintains balance in the garden ecosystem.

7. **What is the importance of biodiversity in a habitat garden?**
**Answer**: Biodiversity ensures a healthy ecosystem by supporting different species.
**Explanation**: Different species play different roles, such as pollination, pest control, and decomposition.

8. **List three things you should do to maintain a habitat garden.**
**Answer**: Water plants regularly, avoid stagnant water, clean and compost plant waste.
**Explanation**: These actions help keep the garden safe and healthy for animals.

### Very Difficult (2)
9. **How can a small school garden help in national biodiversity conservation efforts?**
**Answer**: It provides safe mini-habitats for small animals and birds, raising awareness and supporting local wildlife.
**Explanation**: Even small actions contribute to protecting nature.

10. **What steps would you take to ensure only desired animals are attracted to the habitat garden?**
**Answer**: Avoid stagnant water, remove woodpiles, and use natural deterrents for unwanted animals.
**Explanation**: Managing the environment prevents harmful or dangerous animals from entering.

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