In Changing Environments learn about the needs of living things and how plants, animals, including humans, change their environments as they acquire what they need. Humans have had a significant effect on environments as we build shelter, produce food, and transport it, and manage water sources. Students will learn about making decisions that protect habitats and reduce the negative effects of the changes that humans make to their environment.

Plants and animals, including humans, have vital needs that must be met for the organism to live and grow. All living things need water and air. Plants also need light, air, mineral nutrients, and space to grow. Animals, including humans, need food and shelter, much of which they get from plants. In getting what they need, plants and animals change their environments. The effects can be seen in both living and nonliving things.

Scientists, including biologists, zoologists, geologists, and climatologists, study how living things affect the land, air, and water. This series of lessons incorporates learning goals that support scientific principles and practices, such as asking questions, arguing with evidence, analyzing and interpreting data, recognizing cause and effect, and planning and carrying out investigations.