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4th Grade  Project 1 week

Adaptation Adventure: Wild Ways to Survive!

Chloe M
4-LS1-2
4-LS1-1
I.CL.C2.A
Productive Collaborator
Critical Thinker
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to immerse fourth-grade students in the study of animal adaptations through hands-on, collaborative projects that connect them with real-world wildlife experts. Students will explore how animals thrive in their environments by engaging in a virtual safari, field trips, and research activities, culminating in creative presentations that showcase their findings. This project aims to deepen students' understanding of biological concepts while fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and reflection, ultimately empowering them to apply these insights to their personal growth and academic pursuits.

Learning goals

Students will explore how animals adapt to their environments in order to survive, grow, and reproduce, while developing skills in research, collaboration, and critical thinking. They will use models to demonstrate how animals process information through their senses and respond to environmental changes. Through engaging projects and community partnerships, students will learn to articulate their understanding of animal adaptations and apply these insights to their personal growth and future learning endeavors.
Standards
  • [Kentucky] 4-LS1-2 - Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.
  • [Kentucky] 4-LS1-1 - Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
  • [Kentucky] I.CL.C2.A - Describe a concept to another person using unique examples while connecting it to a person, place or event the other person is familiar with.
Competencies
  • Productive Collaborator - Engages with others to achieve a common goal through building positive relationships, actively listening, showing empathy, and making individual contributions to a larger group.
  • Critical Thinker - Thinks deeply and makes informed decisions to create solutions or new understanding supported by relevant and reliable evidence.
  • Empowered Learner - Demonstrates mastery and application of academic competencies. Develops the skills and dispositions to persist through difficulties and plan for a future of self-improvement.

Products

Students will create a short documentary or video project capturing the story of an animal's adaptations, incorporating footage from the virtual safari and field trip insights. Additionally, they will construct a diorama or 3D model of an animal in its natural habitat, highlighting its adaptations. These projects will be showcased during the 'Wildlife Wonders' gallery walk, where students present their work to classmates and visiting park rangers.

Launch

Kick off the learning experience with a 'Virtual Safari,' where students embark on an exciting online journey through diverse ecosystems across the globe. Using digital tools, students will observe and document various animal adaptations in real-time, setting the stage for their upcoming research and projects. This immersive experience will spark curiosity and provide a foundation for understanding the essential question of how animals adapt to their environments.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Wildlife Wonders' gallery walk, showcasing their documentaries and dioramas to classmates and visiting park rangers. This event will allow students to share their insights on animal adaptations and receive valuable feedback from experts. The exhibition will be an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding and creativity, while engaging in meaningful discussions about local wildlife and its survival strategies.