A six-row chart anchors this 3rd grade science worksheet. Students describe the climate of the desert, rainforest, tundra, grassland, deciduous forest and taiga, then place two plants and two animals in each row from a fact bank of 24 items. Page 2 is a Venn diagram that compares the desert and the tundra. It connects to NGSS 3-ESS2-2. The answer key on pages 3 and 4 gives a filled chart and sample Venn entries.
3-ESS2-2
“Obtain and combine information to describe climates in different regions of the world.”
The Climate column asks for a description of each of six biomes, and the Venn diagram sets two dry climates side by side.
Six rows, one per biome, with columns for Climate, Plants and Animals. Students write the climate in their own words and sort the fact bank, for example cactus and camel into the desert row.
A Venn diagram labeled Desert, Both and Tundra. Facts true only of the desert go on the left, facts true only of the tundra on the right, and shared facts in the middle.
A completed chart with climate wording for each biome, then sample Venn entries such as permafrost for the tundra and few large trees for both.
Marking the climate column
Students write the climate in their own words, so check that column yourself. The key gives sample wording to compare against.
Cross out as you go
Have students cross out each fact bank word once it is placed. The last few words usually need a second look.
Venn in pairs
Give pairs a minute to name one thing the desert and tundra share before anyone writes. Little rain is the usual first answer.
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