Activities from S3ETS Session 3
1. Newsprint activity: Which organisms have a survival advantage?
 Our “habitat” is a sheet of newsprint. Our organisms are hole-punched circles of white paper
and newsprint. Let’s see how a predator can affect a population.
 Give each team a half sheet of newsprint. Some should be plain (want ads, notices, etc.) others
should have color photos as at least part of the print.
 Give each team hole punched circles – 20 from newsprint, 20 from plain white paper.
 Spread the 40 circles onto the newsprint. Now a predator comes along. Use tweezers to pick
up as many of the circles as possible in 10 seconds. (You can have one student do this, or
several – add more circles for more students)
 Call time. Students discard the circles they picked off the paper. They then pair up the circles
(by color) that remain on the newspaper. Add one extra circle of that color for each pair. Nonpaired or odd paired (one white, one newsprint) do NOT get an extra circle.
 Repeat the drop and tweeze activity once more. Pair and add the extra circles.
 If this goes as it should, the newsprint circles should be more abundant after only 2 rounds.
This is because they have an “adaptation” of camouflage that protects them from predators
(the tweezers).
 You can also try spreading the circles onto a piece of white paper for a different outcome.
 How did the different types of newsprint change the outcome? The white paper?
 From our core: this is how animals with one variation would have a survival advantage in a
particular environment.
2. Environmental change and arguing from evidence: What would survive?
 Give student groups a large sheet of paper. Have them divide it into three sections.
 Give them the sets of animal cards with the descriptions. Explain that some of these animals
could live in the same environment while others need a different environment. Students
should work together to determine three groups of animals, each with a distinct environment
in which it fits. Note: There is one duplicated card. This animal can live in two different
environments. Do not reveal this to students. Let them work through what to do with the extra
card. Just assure them that it is supposed to be there. Students should use the information on
the card to inform their choices. Argue from evidence within their group. Possible sentence
frames: “I think the _animal___ belongs in the __environment__ because __evidence from
card__ . “I agree because __more evidence from card__. (or I disagree because…) Encourage
students to describe the animals’ specialized structures and behaviors that allow it to live in a
particular environment. Use the appropriate science words for Standard 5 – Heredity.
 Once students have divided the cards, have them describe the environment they believe the
animals belong to. They should include information about climate, water, land, and plants that
might be found in that environment. Once again, argue from evidence. The most likely
environments are listed below. We are using desert, wetland and forest as they have prior
knowledge from 4th grade about these particular environments.
Desert environment – burrowing owl, coyote, jackrabbit, rattlesnake, desert tortoise
Wetland environment – catfish, mallard duck, American kestrel, muskrat, leopard frog
Forest environment – porcupine, black chinned hummingbird, rattlesnake, flying squirrel, elk
A brief description of each environment is given below.
 Each group is assigned one of the environments.
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Next, students select a change card at random.
Together, they determine which of the animals in environment would be likely to survive such a
change and which would not. Once again, encourage them to explore which of the animals’
physical, structural and behavioral adaptations would aid in their survival. Use evidence on the
cards.
As a whole class, have students present their work and defend their choices.
Environment Information
Desert
 Between 5 and 10 inches of water per year
 Summer temperatures 60 - 110° F. Winter temperatures 0 - 60° F.
 Sandy, rocky soil
 Less biodiversity, fewer plants/animals overall
Forest
 Between 30 and 50 inches of water per year
 Summer temperatures 30 - 80° F. Winter temperatures 0 - 40° F.
 Rich, dark soil with lots of organic matter
 More diverse than deserts, less diverse than wetlands
Wetland (Jordan River)
 Between 10 and 20 inches of water per year
 Summer temperatures 60 - 105° F. Winter temperatures 0 - 50° F.
 Mixed soils, rocky, muddy
 High diversity, especially in non-urban stretches
Desert Animals
Burrowing Owl
Coyote
White tailed jackrabbit
The burrowing owl breeds in southwestern Canada, the western
United States, northern Mexico, Florida, and parts of the West
Indies. It winters from the southwestern United States to Honduras,
northern populations being migratory. In Utah, it is uncommon
during summer in proper habitat throughout the state. Its habitats
are open grassland and prairies, but it also utilizes other open
situations, such as golf courses, cemeteries, and airports. It eats
mainly terrestrial invertebrates, but also consumes a variety of
small vertebrates, including small mammals, birds, frogs, toads,
lizards, and snakes. The nest is in a mammal burrow, usually that of
a prairie dog, ground squirrel, badger, or armadillo; owls will
sometimes excavate their own nest burrow. Three to eleven eggs
are incubated by the female parent. The young are tended by both
parents and fledge after about 40 to 45 days.
Coyotes now occurs throughout most of North America, as well as
in parts of Latin America. The range of the coyote has greatly
expanded in recent years as habitats have been altered and wolves
have been eliminated from many areas. Coyotes are common in
Utah, occurring in open deserts, grasslands, forests, urban settings,
and other habitats. Female coyotes may produce one litter of four
to seven pups during the spring. The young are typically born in
earthen dens, where they remain for eight to ten weeks. Both
parents tend to the pups until fall, when the young leave the family
and head off on their own. Coyotes are opportunistic feeders that
mainly consume small animals and carrion (animals already dead),
although plant material is occasionally consumed. Coyotes are
active year round and are primarily nocturnal.
The white tailed jackrabbit is the largest of the hares, growing up
to 26 inches and weighing up to nine pounds. In summer, this
jackrabbit is a light brownish gray over the back and sides, lighter
on the belly. The tail is completely white. In winter, the entire body
is usually white, except the tips of the ears and top of the head
which are grizzled gray or black. In some areas, it may not turn
completely white. This species inhabits mountains, foothills, and
valley areas in northern Utah. It is restricted to higher mountain
areas in southern Utah. It is generally found in open areas, even
when found at high elevations. It eats forbs, grasses, and the bark
and twigs of many shrubs and trees. This species bares several
litters of three to six young during warmer months of the year.
Great Basin rattlesnake
Desert tortoise
The Great Basin rattlesnake is found in much of western Utah,
where it occurs in a variety of habitats ranging from prairie and
desert areas to open mountain forests. This species is primarily
found on the ground, but will occasionally climb into trees and
shrubs. During periods of cold weather, Great Basin rattlesnakes
occupy mammal burrows, crevices, and caves, where they become
inactive. The Great Basin rattlesnake is live bearing; females give
birth to approximately four to twelve young in the late summer or
fall. The diet of this species consists of small mammals, birds,
lizards, and occasionally amphibians. Prey are subdued by injecting
venom through large hollow fangs at the front of the upper jaw.
Great Basin rattlesnakes are typically light tan, yellowish, or light
gray in color, with dark blotches on their backs.
Utah's Beaver Dam Slope population of desert tortoise is listed as
threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Within its range,
the desert tortoise can be found near water in deserts, semi arid
grasslands, canyon bottoms, and rocky hillsides. Desert tortoises
often construct burrows in compacted sandy or gravelly soil.
Females nest under a large shrub or at the mouth of a burrow, and
lay one to three clutches of two to fourteen eggs from May to July;
eggs hatch in late summer or fall. Burrows, which may contain
many tortoises at once, are used for hibernation during cold winter
months. The typical diet of the desert tortoise consists of perennial
grasses, cacti, shrubs, and other plant material.
Wetland Animals
Channel catfish
Wood duck
The channel catfish, is a popular sport fish that is currently found in
many of Utah's warmer waters, such as Utah Lake, but is not native
to the state. The channel catfish is native to many areas of North
America east of the Rocky Mountains. Channel catfish eat many
types of foods, including plant matter, detritus, and a large variety
of invertebrates, although adult fish are primarily piscivorous (they
eat fish). The species spawns in late spring and summer, with eggs
hatching in about one week. Eggs are guarded by the males, who
also guard young fish after hatching.
The wood duck breeds in scattered areas across the United States,
southern Canada, and Cuba. Northern populations migrate south
for the winter, and major wintering areas include California and the
southern United States. The species occurs year round in Utah,
although it is more common in the state during winter. Wood
ducks prefer marshes and ponds near woodlands, and are
especially fond of flooded forests. The wood duck is a cavity nester
that typically nests in hollow trees or manmade nest boxes; nests
are almost always near water. Nine to fifteen eggs are laid and
incubated by the female alone. Wood ducks often lay their eggs in
the nests of other females, so some nests may contain thirty or
more eggs. Young are able to fly at about nine weeks of age. Wood
ducks eat primarily plant material during the winter, and insects
during the spring and summer.
The American kestrel breeds throughout much of North America.
Some populations migrate south, but breeding pairs farther south
may remain together in the same area year round. In Utah, this is a
common species found statewide at all times of the year. American
kestrels are usually found in open habitats, such as prairies,
deserts, wooded streams, and farmlands. Nests are made in
natural holes in trees, abandoned woodpecker holes, cliffs, and
nest boxes. Usually four or five eggs are laid and incubated for 29
to 31 days. Young are tended by both parents and leave the nest
about 29 to 31 days after hatching. In summer, American kestrels
feed mainly on insects, especially grasshoppers and crickets, and
small vertebrates. During the winter, its foods are mainly birds and
mice. American kestrels often hover while foraging, and are
frequently seen using this technique along highways.
American kestrel
The muskrat is a large rodent that spends much of its time in the
water. Muskrats are native to most of the United States, almost all
of Canada, and a small area of northern Mexico. In addition, the
species has been introduced to areas of Europe and Asia. In Utah,
muskrats are common throughout the state in marshes, ponds, and
other areas with shallow, slow moving vegetated water. Muskrats
primarily feed on aquatic plants, but mollusks, fishes, and upland
vegetation are also consumed. Breeding occurs in the spring and
summer, with females capable of producing several litters of one to
twelve offspring each year. Muskrats are active throughout the
year, and are primarily nocturnal, although daytime activity is not
unusual. Muskrats are trapped for their fur throughout much of
their range.
Leopard frog
The northern leopard frog is found throughout much of southern
Canada, as well as in the northern, Rocky Mountain, and
Intermountain areas of the United States. The northern leopard
frog is fairly common in Utah, but some reports indicate that its
numbers may be declining. This frog occurs in a variety of aquatic
habitats, particularly near cattails and other aquatic vegetation, but
it may be found foraging relatively far from water. During cold
winter months, this species is inactive, and takes cover underwater
or in damp burrows. Females lay eggs in the spring, typically on
vegetation just below the surface of the water in areas exposed to
sunlight. Adult northern leopard frogs eat a variety of small
invertebrates, whereas tadpoles of the species generally eat algae,
organic debris, and small invertebrates. The northern leopard frog
is a slim, long legged frog with a green or brownish colored back
that has dark oval or round spots. The bellies of northern leopard
frogs are white or cream colored.
Forest Animals
The North American porcupine is a large rodent that is common in
Utah, where it prefers coniferous forest and mixed forest areas,
although it may also be found in riparian zones, deserts, and shrub
land habitats. Porcupine dens may be found in hollow trees, logs,
and small caves. The porcupine is active throughout the year and is
mainly nocturnal, but is often visible during the day. Females may
give birth to one young in late spring. The porcupine eats bark,
roots, berries, buds, fruits, leaves, and other plant material. The
needles and bark of coniferous trees are often consumed during
the winter. Porcupines are covered in sharp spines, or quills, that
are used for protection from predators. Quills usually lay flat
against the body, but may be raised when danger is near. Quills are
loosely attached to the body and may detach from the porcupine
and lodge into a predator if touched.
Black chinned hummingbird
Great Basin rattlesnake
The black chinned hummingbird is a common hummingbird in Utah,
occurring statewide at low and mid elevations. It is found across
the western United States, often in dry habitats, during warm
months, and it migrates south to Mexico for winter. The black
chinned hummingbird feeds on nectar and captures insects and
spiders. They nest in canyons along stream beds. Females construct
nests that are usually saddled on a small limb and are composed of
plant down bound together with spider silk. Two eggs are laid in
early April and incubated for 13 to 16 days. Young leave the nest
after 21 days. The female often produces a second brood and
sometimes even a third.
The Great Basin rattlesnake is found in much of western Utah,
where it occurs in a variety of habitats ranging from prairie and
desert areas to open mountain forests. This species is primarily
found on the ground, but will occasionally climb into trees and
shrubs. During periods of cold weather, Great Basin rattlesnakes
occupy mammal burrows, crevices, and caves, where they become
inactive. The Great Basin rattlesnake is live bearing; females give
birth to approximately four to twelve young in the late summer or
fall. The diet of this species consists of small mammals, birds,
lizards, and occasionally amphibians. Prey are subdued by injecting
venom through large hollow fangs at the front of the upper jaw.
Great Basin rattlesnakes are typically light tan, yellowish, or light
gray in color, with dark blotches on their backs.
The northern flying squirrel occurs in part of Alaska, across most of
Canada, in parts of the eastern and western United States, and in
the Great Lakes region of the United States. The species occurs in
many of Utah's mountainous areas, primarily in mature coniferous
forests and riparian zones. Females may produce one or two litters
of two to six young during spring and summer each year. Northern
flying squirrels eat fungi and lichens, as well as nuts, seeds, insects,
and fruits. Nests are usually constructed inside hollow trees, but
are sometimes constructed on tree branches. The species is
nocturnal and active throughout the year. Northern flying squirrels
cannot fly, but they can use the loose folds of skin on their sides to
glide from tree to tree.
Flying squirrel
The elk is native to North America. Elk are common in most
mountainous regions of Utah, where they can be found in
mountain meadows and forests during the summer, and in foothills
and valley grasslands during the winter. This helps the elk avoid
deep snow and find food year round. Elk may be active during both
day and night, but most activity occurs at dusk and dawn. Dominant
males gather and protect harems of females during the breeding
season, which occurs in the fall of each year. During this time,
males emit loud sounds, called bugles, which keep the females in a
group and warn other males to stay away from them. Females
typically give birth to one (sometimes two) calves in the late spring.
Elk are grazers, primarily eating grasses, but forbs, woody plants,
and mushrooms may also be consumed.
Elk
Change Cards
The overall temperature in your environment
slowly increases until it is 5 degrees warmer
than historic averages.
The overall amount of precipitation in your
environment decreases over time until it is
10% less than average.
The overall temperature in your environment
slowly decreases until it is 5 degrees cooler
than historic averages.
The overall amount of available surface
water decreases over time by 20%.
A non-native species is introduced to your
environment that competes with several of
the plants available in the environment.
A road is built through your environment,
fragmenting it into two separate pieces.
A developer builds on 20% of your
Weather conditions in your environment
environment, replacing the native plants with become more volatile. Storms are stronger,
houses, lawns, roads, and sidewalks.
with more wind and lightning.