Last updated: March 9, 2018
Lesson Plan
Create a Creature
- Grade Level:
- Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
- Subject:
- Science
- Lesson Duration:
- 60 Minutes
- State Standards:
- Hawai‘i Content and Performance Standards III:
SC.3.4.1, SC.3.5.1 - Additional Standards:
- Next Generation Science Standards:
3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-3
Objective
At the end of this lesson, the students will be able to describe how plants and animals use adaptations to survive in a particular environment.
Background
Many ecosystems exist within Haleakalā National Park. The park ranges from a harsh 10,023 foot summit to an east facing rainforest and coastline. Wind, rain, temperature, and altitude all play a role in shaping each zone. The ecosystems range from alpine aeolian (barren, rocky, dry area), to subalpine shrublands, to coastal rainforests. Species have had to adapt to these different habitats over time.
Preparation
None.
Lesson Hook/Preview
Students will create their own creature after learning about different ecosystems.
Procedure
Step 1: Review the variety of ecosystems in Haleakalā National Park
Many ecosystems exist within Haleakalā National Park. Discuss what they noticed about the environment during their time at Hosmer Grove. Species adapted to this native shrubland environment over time. Review with students how various adaptations are needed for different species to survive in different ecosystems. Tell students they are going to design and create their own creature that is perfectly adapted to survive in the native shrubland. Encourage Creativity! Students may want to sketch out a few different ideas for their creature.
Step 2: Brainstorm creation of a well-adapted creature
Thinking of what the native shrubland was like from their field trip, students will think of what types of adaptations to give their creatures to help them to survive. They should think back to things like the amount of water available, wind, temperature, soil, sun, and any threats within the ecosystem.
Provide the following list of questions for the students to answer. They should connect each one with an adaptation that will help their creature survive.
• Where will the animal live?
• What will it eat?
• Where will it get water?
• How will it breathe?
• How does it move?
• What type of body covering will it have?
• What is the name of the animal?
Step 3: Draw and Color Your Organism
Students should then draw and color a picture of their creature. They could even create 3-D models of their creatures!
Step 4: Present Your Organism
Have each student present their well-adapted creature to the class. Encourage students to ask questions about how the animal adaptations help it to survive within the ecosystem.
Vocabulary
Adaptation: A change of form or behavior that helps a species survive in a specific environment.
Survival: Meets the needs of food, water, shelter and space.
Trait: A distinguishing characteristic or quality that makes one organism different from another.
Assessment Materials
Assess the animal model and types of relevant adaptations shown to see if the student connects the concept of the environmental influences on animal traits needed to help the animal survive.