Students will be able to construct explanations for how biological adaptations and genetic variations of traits in a population enhance the probability of survival in a particular environment. 8.E.6B.1
Content Knowledge Support
- Read and compete interactive science workbook pages 532-541.
Discussion Topics
- 🤔Which types of adaptations do you believe enhance the probability of human beings surviving in the world today? 😎Include 3 or more specific physical and/or behavioral adaptations and explain why you believe these adaptations are so advantageous in the current environment we live in today. Use specific details from the content knowledge resource(s) to justify your answer.
- What is the coolest adaptation ever? Attach an image or video of your favorite adaptation and explain why this is the greatest adaptation ever using content knowledge evidence from this module to explain and support your answer.
Recommended Exercises
(Level 3) Analysis
1. Choose your very favorite animal or organism on Earth and create a ONE page Google Slide by researching and explaining how this organisms has at least one physical trait and at least one behavioral traits that helps it survive in its particular environment. In your slide be sure to include each of the following:
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(Level 3) Analysis
Analyze 4 different environments on Earth and then research real-world organisms that are best adapted to those environments. Research and report both physical and behavioral adaptations the organisms you chose has that makes them best adapted to each environment using this assignment TEMPLATE. |
Additional Exercises & Extensions
(Level 1) Comprehension
- Accurately classify each of the following adaptations as either a behavioral adaptation or a physical trait:
(Level 2) Application
1. Navigate the project beak webpage by exploring each of the different beak types within the "beaks" menu on the left side including tearing, cracking, sipping, drilling, picking, probing, striking, straining, and scooping. Next, play the "What's for Dinner" game to test your knowledge at least 2 times and answer the following questions:
1. Navigate the project beak webpage by exploring each of the different beak types within the "beaks" menu on the left side including tearing, cracking, sipping, drilling, picking, probing, striking, straining, and scooping. Next, play the "What's for Dinner" game to test your knowledge at least 2 times and answer the following questions:
- Which type of bird beak adaptation listed above is the best? Explain your choice using evidence from the website in terms of how it enhances a birds survival compared to other bird beak adaptations.
- What strategy did you use to correctly identify each bird beak for its food during the quiz? How would you explain to another person who hasn't played the game yet how to be successful?
- Submit a hilarious selfie of yourself with the "What's for Dinner" completed in the background.
(Level 3) Analysis
- Analyze 4 different environments on Earth and then research real-world organisms that are best adapted to those environments. Research and report both physical and behavioral adaptations the organisms you chose has that makes them best adapted to each environment using this assignment TEMPLATE.
- Choose your very favorite animal or organism on Earth and create a ONE page Google Slide explaining how two or more of its behavioral and/or physical traits helps it survive in its particular environment. In your slide be sure to include each of the following:
- An image or video of your animal or organism in its natural habitat.
- Clearly identify and describe 2 or adaptations your organism has that enhance its survival in its particular environment using details from the content knowledge resources provided during this module.
(Level 4) Evaluation
1. Using this animal facts encyclopedia create a Google Slideshow that includes the top 5 greatest adaptations ever. For each adaptation include a picture and a description of what kind of adaptation it is (behavioral or physical trait) and how it specifically enhances the survival of this organism in its particular environment.
1. Using this animal facts encyclopedia create a Google Slideshow that includes the top 5 greatest adaptations ever. For each adaptation include a picture and a description of what kind of adaptation it is (behavioral or physical trait) and how it specifically enhances the survival of this organism in its particular environment.
- Online animal encyclopedia (optional resource)
- National Geographic website (optional resource)
(Level 5) Creation
- Research an image of an organism in its natural habitat that exhibits the most amazing adaptation(s) ever! Create a ONE-page digital poster using this assignment TEMPLATE provided and accurately research, label and explain 3 physical traits and 3 behavioral adaptations your organism’s exhibits in order to enhance the probability of its survival in its particular environment.
Additional Explorations
- The theory of evolution is used by scientists to explain the genetic variations seen among different species. The theory of evolution is used to explain the gradual change in a species over time. Who was the originator of the biological theory of evolution? What evidence did he present to support his theory? What evidence has been discovered since?
Future Learning Connections (9-12)
- Construct explanations of how changes to Earth's surface are changes in the complexity and diversity of life using evidence from the geologic time scale.
English Language Learners
Module Review Resources
Vocabulary Practice
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