In this science unit students study plant and animal adaptations in the context of preparing a traveler for a visit to an extreme environment. Students will learn what it means for an organism to be adapted to its environment and how different adaptations can be categorized. Through various investigations, students will explore an example of adaptations for protection, camouflage, food, and locomotion. They will complete an inquiry investigation to explore how different beak shapes are best adapted for gathering different foods. They will then investigate organisms that live in an extreme environment and document the variety of adaptations that each of these organisms display. Students will combine all of their knowledge of plant and animal adaptations with their understanding of the extreme environment to prepare their traveler and design the ideal shoe for this traveler to wear in this environment.
Key Terms
Key Terms
- Adaptation: A way an organism’s body helps it survive, or live, in its environment.
- Camouflage Adaptation: A type of adaptation that allows a plant or animal to blend into its surrounding environment.
- Environment: The area in which something exists or lives.
- Food Adaptation: A type of adaptation that helps a plant or animal obtain food and nutrients.
- Locomotion Adaptation: A type of adaptation that helps an animal move around in its environment.
- Organism: Life form, such as a plant or animal.
- Protection Adaptation: A type of adaptation that helps protect a plant or animal from a predator that wants to eat it.
- Scientific Inquiry Process: A process that scientists use to explore observations and answer questions.
- Scientist: A person who asks questions, makes observations, and investigates ideas in order to acquire knowledge and/or solve problems.