Grade: 3 or 4             Subject: Science

Standard from Kentucky: Copied for the Combined Curriculum Document Science - Primary

Big Idea: Unity and Diversity (Biological Science)   Grade: End of Primary

All matter is comprised of the same basic elements, goes through the same kinds of energy transformations, and uses the same kinds of forces to move. Living organisms are no exception. Elementary students begin to observe the macroscopic features of organisms in order to make comparisons and classifications based upon likenesses and differences. Looking for patterns in the appearance and behavior of an organism leads to the notion that offspring are much like the parents, but not exactly alike. Emphasis at every level should be placed upon the understanding that while every living thing is composed of similar small constituents that combine in predictable ways, it is the subtle variations within these small building blocks that account for both the likenesses and differences in form and function that create the diversity of life.

Academic Expectations

2.1            Students understand scientific ways of thinking and working and use those methods to solve real-life problems.

2.2            Students identify, analyze, and use patterns such as cycles and trends to understand past and present events and predict possible future events.

2.3          Students identify and analyze systems and the ways their components work together or affect each other.

Context/Scenario

You have been chosen to help create a new zoo exhibition. You will need to use all that you have learned about plants, animals, and habitats to create you new exhibit.

Taks 1: Preparing for you exhibit.

   1) You may choose to make your exhibit in any environment you like. Decide on what type of environment you want to create.

   2) Make a list of environmental characterized that impact your environment.   

   3) Write an introduction paragraph about your chosen environment.

Task 2: Plant Life

   1) Determine what types of plants you will need to include in your exhibit

   2) List and describe features these plants have that make them good candidates for the exhibit.

   3) Choose 3 or 4 plants, then find or draw a picture of them.

   4) Write a paragraph explaining your choices in relationship to the environment you are creating.

Task 3: Animal Life

   1) Create a list of animals that would survive in your exhibit.

   2) Choose 3 or 4 animals and describe the various adaptations each has that will allow it to survive in the exhibit.

   3) Find or draw a picture of each animal your chosen animals.

   4) Write a paragraph explaining your choices of animals. Be sure to include how each will meet their basic needs in your exhibit.

Task 4: Visual Display

   1) Decide on a 2 or 3 dimensional form of display.

   2) Decide what types of art medium you will use to create your display.   

   3) Create a display of your exhibit that includes all the plants and animals you chose in tasks 2 and 3. Remember to include all aspects of the environment needed to maintain the life cycle of each organism placed in your exhibit.