"Biomes: Animals and Plants in Their Habitats" by Bad Wolf Press
Bestseller!
    • 25-minute musical play for grades 1-5
    • Includes the script, teacher's guide, and audio recording (which contains a vocal and instrumental version of each song)
    • Simple to do - no music or drama experience needed!

    Come join this motley group of animals as they search for their own proper biome! Sure, these animal heroes are cute, but looks aren’t everything in a world of distinct and tough environments. To survive (and be able to sing all their catchy songs), they’ll have to learn about desert, forest, grassland, freshwater, tundra, and marine areas for which they are especially adapted.

    Please scroll down to read the script, listen to the songs, read reviews, and get all the details about the play (plot, curriculum/content, educational standards, and vocabulary).

    Item # Description Availability Qty Break Price Quantity
    PLAY - For individual teachers or directors
    Order 1 copy of play for each teacher/director who will be using it. Includes permission to print/photocopy for all participating actors. Mix and match 2 or more plays to get them for $35 each.
    BIOM-PL-DIG
    Downloadable Version of Play
    - You will receive a PDF and MP3 files
    Download 1
    2+
    $45.00
    $35.00
    BIOM-PL-PRI
    Printed Version of Play
    - You will receive a Spiral-Bound Book and Audio CD
    In Stock 1
    2+
    $45.00
    $35.00
    BIOM-PL-DUO
    Duo Version - Download AND Printed Book
    - You will receive 1) a PDF and MP3 files, and 2) a Spiral-Bound Book and Audio CD
    In Stock 1
    2+
    $55.00
    $45.00
    SITE LICENSE VERSION OF PLAY - For whole schools or grade levels
    Order 1 site license per school/site. Includes permission to print/photocopy for all participating students AND teachers. Why a site license? Because it's cheaper than ordering 3+ individual copies of the play.
    BIOM-SL-DIG
    Downloadable Version of Site License
    - You will receive a PDF and MP3 files
    Download 1 $90.00
    BIOM-SL-PRI
    Printed Version of Site License
    - You will receive 3 copies of the Spiral-Bound Book and Audio CD
    In Stock 1 $90.00
    Extra/Replacement Audio Recordings
    BIOM-AU-DIG
    Downloadable Audio Files
    - You will receive a ZIP file containing individual MP3s
    Download 1 $12.00
    BIOM-AU-PRI
    Audio CD
    In Stock 1 - 9
    10+
    $12.00
    $6.00
    BIOM-AU-DUO
    Downloadable Audio Files (MP3) + Audio CD
    In Stock 1 $20.00
    Sheet Music
    BIOM-MU-DIG
    Downloadable Sheet Music (PDF)
    Download 1 $12.00
    BIOM-MU-PRI
    Printed Sheet Music
    In Stock 1 $12.00
    BIOM-MU-DUO
    Downloadable Sheet Music (PDF) + Printed Sheet Music
    In Stock 1 $20.00

    $0.00



    Key Concepts

    Biomes refers to and reinforces students’ familiarity with the following aspects of the elementary science standards:

    • Individual biomes: deserts, oceans, tundra, forests, grasslands, and wetlands (fresh water)
    • Habitat and species adaptation: different plants and animals inhabit different kinds of environments and have external features that help them survive and reproduce
    • Food chains and competition for resources in an ecosystem
    • Decomposers (recycling matter from dead plants and animals)

    Biomes is a great complement to your life science curriculum and a fabulous way for students to learn about animal and plant habitats. And, like all of our plays, this show can be used to improve reading, vocabulary, reading comprehension, performance and music skills, class camaraderie and teamwork, and numerous social skills (read about it!) -- all while enabling students to be part of a truly fun and creative experience they will never forget!


    Publication Information

    Author: Ron Fink (Composer) and John Heath (Book and Lyrics)
    ISBN: 978-1-886588-52-3
    © 2011 Bad Wolf Press, LLC

    Song Samples

    Full Song List

    1. The Right Biome
    2. Go Find Your Place
    3. Close to Shore
    4. Forests
    5. You Want to Be Grass?
    6. Nothing Rhymes with Tundra
    7. Food Chain
    8. Fungi Are Your Friends
    9. Adapted to the Desert
    10. The Right Biome (reprise)


    Casting

    Flexible casting:
    From 11-40 students. Use as many Starfish, Macaws, etc. in each scene as desired. One student can easily play several roles if needed, and individual roles can be doubled up. Note that all roles can be played by either boys or girls.

    CHARACTERS:

    ZOO KEEPER
    KINGSNAKE
    HERCULES BEETLE
    AFRICAN ELEPHANT
    LEOPARD GECKOS
    STARFISH
    MACAWS
    GRASS
    POLAR BEARS
    ALLIGATORS
    MUSHROOMS
    CACTI

    and a CHORUS composed of all students who are not playing
    roles on stage at the time.

    Script

    This is the first one-third of the script:

    (Alarm rings. KINGSNAKE, ELEPHANT, and BEETLE run
    onto stage. THEY scurry around, then the KINGSNAKE
    yells to the other two):

    KINGSNAKE: Freeze! Here comes the zoo keeper!

    (THEY freeze in silly positions. ZOO KEEPER runs in, looks
    all around but can’t find them.)

    ZOO KEEPER (after looking around the stage, to audience): Some animals have
    escaped from the zoo! Keep your eye out. They’re very good at
    hiding—especially that elephant.

    (HE exits. The THREE animals unfreeze, and then run off
    the other direction.)

      Song 1 - Listen now!

    CLASS:

    Once there were some critters
    So tired of the zoo
    They want back to nature
    But do not have a clue.

    What habitat would suit them?
    What spot would be their niche?
    What could they adapt to?
    What place would scratch their itch?

    So one dark night
    They all took flight
    To find a brand new home
    Who could have guessed
    They’re on a quest
    To find the right biome.

    Biome
    The right biome
    They’ll search day and night
    Biome
    The right biome
    We hope they can sight the right biome.
    It could be a desert
    That’s hot and very dry
    It could be a grassland
    With grass that’s four feet high.

    It could be fresh water
    In which you’d like to jump
    It could be a forest
    As long as it’s not Gump.

    (ALL pause and shrug)

    Yeah it could be
    Some salty sea
    There’s lots of life in there
    They may go forth
    Far to the north
    To tundra cold and bare.

    Biome
    The right biome
    They’ll search day and night
    Biome
    The right biome
    We hope they can sight the right biome.
    The right biome.
    The right biome.

    (KINGSNAKE, BEETLE, and
    ELEPHANT (= THE TRIO)
    enter, with two LEOPARD
    GECKOS right behind.)

    BEETLE: Great job knocking over that fence, Elephant.

    ELEPHANT: I did that?

    KINGSNAKE: I thought elephants never forget.

    ELEPHANT: Oh yeah. I forgot.

    KINGSNAKE: Okay, Beetle, what do we do now?

    BEETLE: I don’t know, Kingsnake. I guess we just settle down. Maybe buy a
    condo.

    LEOPARD GECKO #1: You can’t do that!

    ELEPHANT: Who are you?

    LEOPARD GECKO #2: We’re Leopard Geckos. Remember? We escaped with you.

    ELEPHANT: We ESCAPED?

    KINGSNAKE (to GECKO): What do you mean, we can’t settle down here?

    LEOPARD GECKO #1: You have to find your right biome.

    BEETLE: Biome?

    LEOPARD GECKO #1: Sure! The right habitat for your species—what you’re
    adapted to.

    LEOPARD GECKO #2: Take us Geckos. We’re adapted to the deserts of central
    Asia.

    LEOPARD GECKO #1: And we’ve adapted a great way to escape desert
    predators—when someone grabs my tail, it falls right off so I can escape. Then it grows back later!

    LEOPARD GECKO #2: You need to find the right biome for each of you.

      Song 2 - Listen now!

    LEOPARD GECKOS:

    Go find your
    Go find your
    Find your place.

    Animals and plants adapt
    Go find your place
    If they don’t then they get zapped
    Go find your place.

    Camels can drink once a week
    Because it’s dry
    Put a penguin in their place
    And kiss that bird goodbye.
    Kiss that bird goodbye.

    GECKOS and CHORUS:
    Go find your
    Go find your
    Find your place.

    GECKOS: You and where you live are linked
    CHORUS: Go find your place
    GECKOS: Either that or go extinct
    CHORUS: Go find your place.

    GECKOS:
    Arctic foxes’ fur turns white
    To match the snow
    Put them on the forest floor
    And suddenly they glow.
    Suddenly they glow.

    GECKOS and CHORUS:
    Go find your
    Go find your
    Find your place.
    Go find your
    Go find your
    Find your place.
    LEOPARD GECKO #1: Good bye! We’re off to our biome.

    LEOPARD GECKO #2: Good luck finding YOUR habitat!

    (THEY exit.)

    KINGSNAKE: We’d better get moving.

    ELEPHANT: Where are we going?

    KINGSNAKE: You heard the Gecko.

    ELEPHANT: We’re buying insurance?

    BEETLE: Come on. The ocean is right over there. Maybe that’s where we
    belong.

    (THEY trudge across stage. STARFISH enter from other
    side. THE TRIO trudge back across stage and see the
    STARFISH.)

    BEETLE: Hey look in that tide pool. Who are you?

    STARFISH #1: We’re starfish, also called sea stars.

    STARFISH #2: We live in the marine biome.

    STARFISH #3: It’s the largest ecosystem.

    KINGSNAKE: You think any of US belong here?

    (STARFISH look them over very carefully.)

    STARFISH #1: I don’t think so. At least not here in the tide pool.

    STARFISH #2: But the ocean has a lot of different zones—estuaries, the open
    sea, the deep ocean.

    STARFISH #3: There’s a lot of strange stuff out there—we’re sticking right
    here, close to shore.

      Song 3 - Listen now!

    STARFISH:

    ’Cause out in those waters
    There’re floating sea otters
    The whale and dolphin and shark
    And deep in the ocean
    There’re weird things in motion
    And creatures that glow in the dark.

    It’s nasty, oh brother—
    They’re EATING each other!
    And there isn’t one without scars.
    Our tide pool’s not taxing
    We sit here relaxing
    Where starfish are always the stars.

    STARFISH and CHORUS:

    Close to shore
    Close to shore
    Stuck right here
    Evermore
    In this tide pool we’re nobody’s fool
    Close to shore.

    It’s nasty, oh brother—
    They’re EATING each other!
    And there isn’t one without scars.
    Our tide pool’s not taxing
    We sit here relaxing
    Where starfish are always the stars.

    Close to shore
    Close to shore
    Stuck right here
    Evermore
    In this tide pool we’re nobody’s fool
    Close to shore.
    Whew!

    (THEY exit.)
    KINGSNAKE: Come on. Let’s go this way.

    (THE TRIO trudge across stage.)

    BEETLE: Who made YOU our leader?

    KINGSNAKE: I’m a KING snake. That makes me the king.

    ELEPHANT (pleased): Does that make me a princess?

    BEETLE: NO! You are an ELEPHANT.

    ELEPHANT: But I feel so pretty.

    KINGSNAKE: Does it seem hot to you guys?

    MACAW #1 (as MACAWS enter): Of COURSE it’s hot. This is a tropical
    rainforest.

    MACAW #2: We’re Macaws.

    BEETLE: You look like parrots.

    MACAW #1: We are! We’re one of hundreds of different kinds of parrots.

    MACAW #2: Rainforests are home to more than half of all living plant and
    animal species.

    KINGSNAKE: I’m not sure I’m cut out for all this heat and rain.

    MACAW #1: Maybe you belong in a different kind of forest.

    MACAW #2: A third of the land is covered with trees.

    (This concludes the first one-third of the script.)

    Overall Customer Rating:
    review-star review-star review-star review-star review-star
    Customer Reviews: 6


    Rating:
    review-star review-star review-star review-star review-star

    Pros:
    • engaging
    • music
    • confidence builder
    • fun characters
    Cons:
    Biomes

    I teach 2nd grade and my students have loved practicing for our Biomes play. The songs are catchy, the characters are funny, and my students love it! Even my students who don't yet read have memorized their lines. We can't wait to perform for our families and school!

    O'Neal School

    Rating:
    review-star review-star review-star review-star review-star

    Pros:
    • Fun
    Cons:
    Get to your Biomes

    A fun silly informative play with cool songs. Great for K-3.

    South Korea

    Rating:
    review-star review-star review-star review-star review-star

    Pros:
    • not to long
    • fun
    • simple lines
    • entertaining
    • easy to implement
    • cute
    • funny
    Cons:
    • songs very similar to eachother
    • scenes short
    Cute and Educational

    Biomes is a cute play for students in grades 2-4. We had to take some lines out and replace with current dialogue and one song has a reference to Forest Gump, which our students don't know. It's educational and I like that the students learn quite a few details about animals and their habitats.

    Laguna

    Rating:
    review-star review-star review-star review-star review-star

    Pros:
    Cons:
    Biomes

    The students love the upbeat songs and enjoy practicing parts. The repetition has helped my struggling readers improve and they have to pay attention to when their turn/part comes up. I love that these fit our teaching standards and that the kids love it.

    Covina, CA

    Rating:
    review-star review-star review-star review-star review-star

    Pros:
    • so cute!
    Cons:
    • Challenging vocabulary
    Biomes

    This was such a fun musical. We did it with kindergarten and first graders. The vocabulary was very challenging but the kids rose to the occasion and learned every song!

    California

    Rating:
    review-star review-star review-star review-star review-star

    Pros:
    • Terrific for 2nd grade ecosystems unit
    Cons:
    Biomes: Animals and Plants in Their Habitats

    Our students are performing the play as a culminating activity for our Ecosystems unit of study. Students are excited to be performing as plants and animals in their most adequate biome. We are thrilled that the content is making profound connections with our GLAD Ecosystems Unit of study.



    Additional Comments and Reviews:

    "Love, love, loved the play. The songs were so much fun. The kids sang them everywhere they went. Every song was a different music genre, which I loved. The tunes were catchy and even our custodian was heard singing the biome song because he heard the kids singing when he cleaned the cafeteria while we rehearsed! They also learned a lot about the different biomes, which is a 2nd grade science standard. I think the kids learned more from the play than they did in class since we don't get to go into any real depth with science. The dialogue was informative, but also very funny. This is probably one of my favorite plays. The kids had a blast with this play and were very excited throughout rehearsals."

    ---Nancy Hopkins, Teacher (2nd grade), Fremont Elementary School, Fremont, CA


    "Biomes suited our science and art classes to a tee! The kids studied habitats and the unique abilities of animals in their environment, then took that information and created their own backdrops (6 in all) and costumes in art class. The play was fantastic! Parents loved it. We had kids ranging in age from 3 to 14 participating and all learned something! My 2-year-old is still singing 'Biomes.' I want everyone to try a play once -- they will be hooked!"

    ---Mary Nolte Aragon, Home Educator (K-12th grade), Christian Family Schools Park Group, Pine Valley, CA


    "The play puts the fun back into teaching and learning. During 'play-time,' I have full participation and no bad behaviors....ever! It really fits in with our state science standards. The tunes are so very catchy that it takes weeks to get them out of my mind! Students learn them quickly and love the different genres of music. I am completely satisfied and wish that I could have a copy of all your plays as a resource. Even if I was unable to put a play on, the songs are a wonderful way to learn."

    ---Susan Hufford, Teacher (2nd-3rd grade), Siena Magnet, Meridian, ID


    "The kids play the CD every morning when they arrive in the classroom. I thought they might lose interest after their performances but they can't get enough. We had so much fun and learning science concepts included in our curriculum."

    ---Sheryl Farnum, Teacher (4th grade), Cascade Brook School, Farmington, ME


    "This play is a lot of fun! I have used this musical for two years with 3 different groups. It has been a huge hit with both the students and the audiences. There is never a dull moment and the lively music keeps everyone on their toes! Our third grade science curriculum is mostly centered around animal and plant habitats/adaptations - so this is a perfect supplement. The most impressive thing about this script is that it is so EASY to remember. The lines are not overly complicated and are broken up among several actors easily. The story flows very well."

    ---Laura McDonald, Teacher (3rd grade), S.M. Rissler Elementary School, Trenton, MO


    "Biomes was a great play. It fit in very well with my habitats chapter in science. The music was fun and easy to sing to. I did it in December and the students were able to perform very well even though they weren't high readers at that point. I had 5 students who came into the school year with no English. They were all able to learn their parts, and even asked for more lines on their next musical."

    ---Krista VanderLugt, Teacher (1st grade), The American International School of Vilnius, Lithuania


    "The play connected well to the curriculum and was a springboard for many meaningful lessons."

    ---Jennifer Moerler, Teacher (2nd grade), PS 235, NY


    "After watching my daughter's elementary school class perform Biomes, I was disappointed to see on your website that the materials for this play retail for $39.95. I question how the creators of such a program could be adequately compensated on such a pittance! Also disappointing is seeing my daughter unwittingly learn biology concepts by singing every word of every song of this play every day on the way to school. Surely, learning was not intended to be this enjoyable. It would certainly be interesting to find out whether there is any hard statistical evidence linking these songs to an increase in automobile accidents due to parents losing control of their vehicles while laughing hysterically. I will not rest until my daughter's school obtains more of your plays!"

    ---Dan Osier, (Hilarious) Parent, Olympia, WA


    "As for the music...I even sing it when I go out for my morning run!"

    ---Rich Howell, Enriching Education, Nevada City, CA

    Common Core and Other National Standards

    Science

    Language Arts

    • Common Core Reading Standards for Literature: K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
    • Common Core Reading Standards: Foundational Skills:
      • K and 1st: Phonological Awareness, Phonics and Word Recognition
      • 2nd: Phonics and Word Recognition
      • 3rd, 4th, 5th: Phonics and Word Recognition, Fluency
    • Common Core Speaking and Listening Standards: Comprehension and Collaboration - K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
    • Common Core Language Standards: Vocabulary Acquisition and Use - K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
    • Common Core Standard 10: Range, Quality & Complexity: Range of Text Types for K-5th

    National Core Arts Standards


    Vocabulary

    Curricular Terms

    biome
    habitat
    adaptation
    species
    extinction
    tide pool
    ecosystem
    estuary
    tropical
    rainforest
    deciduous
    evergreen
    coniferous
    diversity
    canopy
    Serengeti
    savanna
    prairies
    steppes
    ice cap
    permafrost
    ice shelf
    food chain
    fungi
    decomposer
    enzyme
    Mojave
    Amazon
    swamp
    pond
    lake
    stream
    river
    predators
    thermoregulation

    General Vocabulary-Building

    critters
    niche
    quest
    condo
    zapped
    Arctic
    insurance
    taxing
    zone
    galore
    cuisine
    migrate
    flair
    algae
    tadpoles
    absolutes
    seep

    Number of questions: 0

    Frequently Asked Questions About Bad Wolf Products and Licensing

    How does your pricing and licensing work?

    A: In short: each teacher/director using the play should have a copy of it. That's it! Your purchase gives you the right to use the play with as many classes as you wish, to photocopy the script for your actors, and to put on as many performances as you wish. This one-time purchase gives you a lifetime license. See below for more information on site licenses (for 3+ teachers or whole schools).

    Q: What comes in the package?

    A: Every musical play comes with the script and a 12-page Teacher's Guide that provides lots of tips and advice for using the play from start to finish. It also includes the audio recording for the play, which has all the songs both WITH and WITHOUT vocals. Sheet music is NOT included with the basic package, but it is available for $12. Extra/replacement CDs are also available for $12.

    Every non-musical play comes with the script and the 12-page Teacher's Guide.

    Q: I'm just one teacher putting on a play. If I use the play with multiple classes, do I have to purchase multiple licenses?

    A: No! Your purchase gives you a lifetime license to be used with as many actors and classes as you wish. If other teachers/directors wish to use the play as well, they will need to purchase their own licenses.

    Q: Do I need to purchase scripts for students?

    A: No! Your purchase includes permission to photocopy the script for your actors.

    Q: What is a "site license"? How do I know if I need one?

    A site license is the economical choice when a whole school or grade level wants to put on the same play. Instead of each teacher/director having to purchase a script, the school/site can purchase a site license. This comes with three copies of the play (or one digital download) and permission to make copies for any additional participating teachers, as well as all the actors. You do NOT need to purchase both a site license and individual copies of the play; just buy one or the other.

    Q: I understand that I can get two or more scripts for $35 each. Do they have to be the same play?

    Nope! The discount applies whether you are purchasing multiple copies of the same show or single copies of multiple shows.

    Q: What is the difference between the printed and digital versions? Which one should I get?

    There is no difference in terms of content. The printed version of a musical play comes with an audio CD in a plastic sleeve in the back of the book. The digital version comes with two downloadable files: the script (PDF format) and the songs (individual MP3 files compressed in ZIP format). The advantage of the digital version is that you will not pay shipping and you can start using it instantly. Please read the question following this one about the technical requirements for digital files.

    Non-musical plays are available in the form of a printed book or a PDF file.

    Q: What are the technical requirements for the digital version?

    1. You will need to have Adobe Reader (free) or another software application that can open PDF files.
    2. You will need to be able to open ZIP files. The vast majority of computers should be able to do this without difficulty. If you wish to download the music directly to your phone or tablet, you will need to download an app that will open ZIP files. Many free ones are available.
    3. You will need to have some kind of audio player (such as iTunes or Windows Media Player) that will play MP3 files.

    Advanced technical knowledge is not required; but please note that we do not have the ability to offer technical support for issues related to digital files. If you are unsure, it is probably best to stick with the printed version.

    Q: What is your return/exchange policy?

    A: Bad Wolf proudly offers a 100% guarantee. You can always exchange a product for another or get a full refund. No time limits, no questions.

    Q: Is it OK if I edit the script?

    A: Yes! Consider the play to be a jumping-off point. You are always welcome to change or omit anything that doesn't work for your class, administration, or parents. You are welcome to rewrite lyrics, lines, or jokes -- or add your own! (The kids love doing this, by the way.)

    Q: How long does shipping take?

    A: We say that you should allow for one week within the U.S., but most orders are shipped the same day and arrive 1-3 days later. International orders usually take around two weeks to arrive.

    Q: Do I need to pay any performance royalties?

    A: As long as your admission price is less than $5 per ticket, you never need to pay performance royalties with a Bad Wolf show. If you decide to charge more than $5 a ticket, or if you are using one of our plays for a PAID workshop, camp, assembly, etc., pay only a low 1-2% royalty on gross revenues. See our royalty page to view the rates and pay.