Coming July 1st — Ecosystem STEAM Unit
A hands-on, story-based STEAM unit for grades 3–5 that explores interdependence within ecosystems and food chains.
Next week, we’ll step into the forest with Creep, Leap, Crunch by Jody Jensen Shaffer, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal. This book is a beautifully crafted introduction to food chains and ecological interdependence.
With rhythmic, cumulative text and textured illustrations, this book offers an engaging springboard into the science of ecosystems. It’s a thoughtful pairing for any curriculum exploring food chains, energy flow, and the balance of life in natural habitats.
In this upcoming newsletter of KidLit Grove, you’ll find a 2–3 week interdisciplinary STEAM unit designed for grades 3–5. Whether you’re teaching in a classroom or homeschooling, this unit is built to be practical, flexible, and engaging with no specialized equipment required.
What’s Included:
Food Chain & Ecosystem Lessons rooted in NGSS
Energy Flow Activities using hands-on models & math
Creative Challenges, including chain reaction machines and diorama design
Real-World Problem Solving: students act as ecosystem engineers
Printable Lesson Plan + Slide Decks (for paid subscribers)
What’s Coming Up Next?
August: Explore sound and animal communication inspired by Starlight Symphony
September: Soar into aerodynamics with concepts from Kai Po Che: Mini’s Perfect Kite
October: Unearth fossils and engineer an animal rescue inspired by historical events like those in Stuck! The Story of the La Brea Tar Pits
Quick Note:
This curriculum newsletter is created from nearly 15 years as an outdoor educator, science teacher, environmental educator, and Montessori guide.
Full access to lesson plans, printables, slide decks, and direct curriculum support is available to paid subscribers. Your support helps make this work possible and ensures more resources keep coming each month.
Prefer to purchase as needed? Individual units are also available through my Teachers Pay Teachers Store as they’re released.
Looking for a copy of the book? Creep, Leap, Crunch and other thoughtfully selected titles are available in the KidLit Grove Bookshop. Every purchase supports the author, illustrator, independent bookstores, and helps sustain the continued development of this resource through a small commission. Thank you for being part of this learning community!
See you July 1st!
Warmly,
Lindsay
Copyright Disclaimer
This curriculum resource is an original work created by Lindsay Moretti from KidLit Grove, inspired by the themes and educational concepts found in Creep, Leap, Crunch: A Food Chain Story by Jody Jensen Shaffer and illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal.
No text or images from the book are reproduced in this resource. This guide is not affiliated with, authorized, or endorsed by the author, illustrator, or publisher. All rights to the original book remain with their respective copyright holders.
Educators are encouraged to obtain a copy of the original book for classroom use.