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Introduction
• Animal adaptations for survival
• Length of Lesson – 45 min.
• VA SOL 3.4b
Learning Objectives
Students will:
• Describe and explain the terms hibernations, migration, camouflage, mimicry,
instinct and learned behavior.
• Compare the physical characteristics of animals and explain how the animals
are adapted to a certain environment.
• Explain how an animal’s behavioral adaptations help it live in its specific
habitat.
• Distinguish between physical and behavioral adaptations of animals.
Gather students on the carpet for the reading of: Animals of the Jungle by
Isabel Fonte, Marco Ferraris (Illustrator)
• Today we will learn about the physical and behavior adaptations animals
have that help them satisfy their basic needs to survive.
• Lesson Development
• Share several student responses to the question and then offer the
following definition for clarification:
Physical adaptations help animals survive in their environment. Examples
include camouflage and mimicry.
• Brainstorm ideas about our human body’s adaptation and demonstrate.
Ex: Walking on two feet instead of 4 limbs.
Trying to pick up a pencil without using your thumbs.
• What is a behavior adaptation? Listen to student responses then offer the
definition:
Behavioral adaptations allow animals to respond to life needs.
Examples include hibernation, migration, instinct, and learned behavior.
• Brainstorm ideas about our behavior adaptations.
Ex. Our natural sleep pattern is to sleep when it is dark.
Homework
Students will use the computer to find 3 examples of an animal adaptations
either behavior or physical. Copy the picture and URL for future classroom
activities. Class time will be provided to complete this homework to
accommodate those students without computer access.
Assessment
• Formative – Monitoring of pair activity using the Adaptation Activity Sheet and
review of student pictures for PowerPoint. Looking for understanding of the
vocabulary terms and the ability to detect physical characteristics of animals and
explain how the animals are adapted to a certain environment.
• Summative – Unit test to be given once unit activities are completed: Students will
be tested on the following vocabulary terms, hibernations, migration, camouflage,
mimicry, instinct and learned behavior. Compare the physical characteristics of
animals and explain how the animals are adapted to a certain environment.
Explain how an animal’s behavioral adaptations help it live in its specific habitat.
Distinguish between physical and behavioral adaptations of animals.
References
Science Standards of Learnubg Enhanced Scope and Sequence grade 3. (2005). Virginia
Department of Eduacation (animal adaptations: physical characteristics).
Retrieved October 9, 2009, from Virginia Department of Education website:
http://www.doe.virginia.gov
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