ABSTRACT
Stones are more than lumps of rock; they are homes for a diverse animal community. Lift one up and children will find a whole new world underneath: beetles, worms, ants, woodlice and many other creatures hidden out of sight in the dark damp environment. Habitat is the term used to describe the natural home of a group of plants and animals. It is a place where organisms live and reproduce. Organisms within a habitat depend on each other to survive. A micro-habitat is a very small habitat where specific types of organisms live. Food chains can be used to illustrate the feeding relationships within micro-habitats. Children should wear disposable gloves and use suitable equipment when searching through leaf litter. Animals should be handled with care and returned to the place where they were discovered. Children create a painting which tells the story of their favourite tiny creature hiding in its micro-habitat.
