LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Goal 1

The learner will make observations and conduct investigations to build an understanding of animal behavior and adaptation.

Objective 1.03

Observe and discuss how behaviors and body structures help animals survive in a particular habitat.

Resources aligned to this objective

Resources on the web

Does the hammer help?
Students consider the significance of the hammerhead shark's “hammer.” They ompare the way hammerhead sharks and white sharks swim then click through an interactive shark diagram to learn about sharks' senses. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
Cicada invasion
In this lesson, from Science NetLinks, students consider how some animals, periodical cicadas, survive well in a particular environment due to the species' life cycle. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Bird beaks
In this Science NetLinks lesson, students explore the relationship between a bird's beak and its ability to find food and survive in a given environment. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Biological clocks
Students will be introduced to the concept of biological clocks in a tangible, hands-on way. The teacher will then lead them to identify internal clues they experience at different times of the day and talk about their own biological clocks. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Beluga whales in the ice
This lesson asks students to think about how beluga whales survive in icy Arctic and subarctic waters and why they sometimes need to migrate. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
Animal adaptations
In this lesson from Science NetLinks, students will participate in classroom discussions about animals. They will also visit a website to learn more about animals and how well (or poorly) they've adapted to satisfying their needs in their natural habitats.... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts and Science)
Provided by: Science Netlinks
Alligators and crocodiles
This lesson introduces students to the American alligator, the Nile crocodile, and SuperCroc. Students will learn about each species' geographical range, habitat, diet, and behaviors and design zoo habitats for the animals. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic