Brought to us by the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, The Conservation Classroom series explores monthly lessons which virtually connect students to animals, concepts about conservation, and associated careers through the use of live, interactive virtual programs. This month's offering is "What Makes a Habitat a Home?" From deserts to rain forests, let's explore what makes a habitat a suitable animal home. This program examines habitats around the world and some of the animals that live in them.

Check out these resources before the event!

Please note that this event requires a pass code (see below).

When: Wednesday December 10, 2025 at 11:00am PT/ 12:00pm MT/ 1:00pm CT/ 2:00pm ET*

*The organizer is on MT in SE Idaho. Please take note of the event in your particular zone.

Who: Open to all Braintree Academy families but content is geared toward K-5th grade.

Questions: Contact Ashley at virtualevents.braintree@malad.us (for Idaho Families) / virtual.events@braintreeed.com (for All Other States)

Join us HERE!

Pass code: forest

If you cannot attend, no cancellation is required. This event will be recorded by the presenter. Once I receive it, I will distribute the link to everyone who has signed up, regardless of attendance. This event is hosted on the presenter's platform and I have no control over login or technical issues.

Learning Resources: Braintree Academy Unit Study: Life Science: What Makes a Habitat a Home? (Can be found in your student's Homeroom in Schoology under the curriculum map) Explore & Grow:

Explore & Grow: Habitats | Braintree Academy Spark curiosity about the natural world with this printable activity pack! Students will design shoebox habitats, match animals to their homes, explore adaptations, and stretch their writing skills with creative prompts and short essays. Perfect for at-home learning, field trips, or classroom extensions—just print and go.

What’s inside

• Hands-on Shoebox Habitat Challenge

• Animal–Habitat matching practice

• Adaptations and ecosystem change reflections

• Creative and informational writing prompts (K–8 friendly)

• Quick descriptive vocabulary exercises

How to use: Start with the shoebox challenge, add an adaptation discussion, then choose a writing prompt by grade level. Great for science notebooks, centers, or take-home learning.