Guiding+Activity+(Andrew+Brown)


 * Guiding Activity: Andrew Brown **


 * __ PURPOSE __**

Students will gain background knowledge on animal adaptations and how adaptations allow animals survive in their ecosystems.


 * __ GUIDING QUESTIONS __**

What characteristics does an organism need to survive? Why do some species survive and thrive while others do not?


 * __ OBJECTIVES __**

1. Students will identify behavioral and physical adaptations of animals. 2. Students will identify the connection between adaptations and extinction.


 * __ LESSON __**

1. Begin the lesson by showing students pictures of some animals on the SmartBoard. For example, a polar bear, sloth, fish, and a red-tail hawk. Tell students to look closely at the pictures for a few moments.

2. Then, distribute a paper that is separated into columns, one for each animal that is pictured, and have students answer the following question by writing down their thoughts in the correct column: “What physical or behavioral characteristics/traits allow these animals to survive in their environment?”

3. After providing ample time, allow the students to share their thoughts and ideas with a partner. After sharing with partners, have some students share with the whole class. Have a classroom discussion on these animals and identify that these characteristics, whether they are physical or behavioral, are all known as adaptations. Tell them that animals need to adapt to their changing environments for them to thrive, if not, they will eventually go extinct.

4. Share, with students, a PowerPoint slideshow that shows many pictures of different animals and their ecosystems. Assist students in identifying adaptations for the animals in the examples. Discuss together why these animals have these specific adaptations and the consequences if they did not.

5. At the conclusion of the slideshow, have students complete an exit slip which will be the ticket for them to explore some of the animal adaptation quizzes and online games to further investigate the topic. The exit slip will have this question on it: From the slideshow, name one animal adaptation you thought was interesting. In a sentence or two, explain why that adaptation is important for the animal to survive in its environment.

6. After checking their slip for accuracy, allow students to explore the internet websites below for some fun games and quizzes on animal adaptations. Any students who struggle on understanding adaptations will work in a small group with the teacher to help reteach the lesson.


 * __ ANIMAL ADAPTATION WEBSITES __**

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