KS3/4 ADAPTATIONS
Information and guidance for teachers
CURRICULUM LINKS
KS3 Science 3.3 Organisms, Behavior and Health
d. All living things show variation, can be classified and are
interdependent, interacting with each other and their environment
e. behaviour is influenced by internal and external factors and can be
investigated and measured
KS4 Science 5 Organisms and Health
b. Variation between species can lead to evolutionary changes and
similarities and differences between species can be measured and
classified.
Last updated July 2015
One “Adaptations”session focusses on
Savannah animals, such as our Rothschild
Giraffe.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After attending this workshop, all pupils will be able to:
▪ Define the terms adaptation and habitat
▪ List 3 things that animals need from their habitat
▪ Give an example of a physical or behavioural adaptation
Most pupils will be able to:
Give multiple examples of physical and behavioural adaptations
Some pupils will be able to:
Explain why these adaptations have developed in response to
the pressures of a habitat
IMPORTANT NOTE – BIO-ARTEFACT CONTACT
Some Discovery Workshops MAY include a selection of bio-artefacts.
Please inform us in advance of any allergies or phobias that may be
affected by this. An antibacterial foam handwash will be offered to all
students at the end of the workshop. In order for this to be effective,
teachers are asked to ensure that all students have clean hands on
arrival at the Education Centre.’
The Brazilian Tapir is discussed
during our Rainforest
Adaptations session
LESSON PLAN
Using skulls, audio-visuals and where possible, a live animal, we will
discuss adaptations found in either the Amazon Rainforest or the
African Savannah (Please mention at the time of booking whether you
have a preference!)
We’ll first discuss the terms “habitat” and “adaptation”, before looking
at the skulls of up to five different animals from the chosen habitat,
allowing pupils to think about what different types of teeth are used
for, and why the position of the eyes is important. We will then discuss
camouflage and other important adaptations.
Time permitting, we can see some other interesting adaptations of
animals found in other habitats.
Our other session Focusses on
Rainforest animals. Please let us
know if you have a preference.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES TO LINK WITH YOUR
WORKSHOP
BEFORE VISIT (recommended prior learning)
• A basic understanding of the concept of adaptation, would be useful, as
well as familiarity with the tropical rainforest or savannah habitats.
DURING VISIT:
PLANNING A ROUTE
• Either: Jaguar, caiman, capybara, tapir and monkey (Rainforest), Or: giraffe,
zebra, lion, cheetah (Savannah). Animals will be discussed depending on
your preference (please let us know well in advance if you have a
preference).
Did you know?
There are a selection of curriculum- linked self-led Explorer trails available to download at
http://www.chesterzoo.org/WhatWeDo/Education/Explorer%20Programme.aspx which may be
suitable for students to follow during their day.
•
Focus on a country and its range of habitats, Spectacled Bears, vicuna,
capybara, tapir and rhea all from the South American rainforest are
conveniently located in close proximity to each other, we also have Jaguars,
poison dart frogs and macaws in the Zoo.
Our “Savannah Adaptations”
session discusses Cheetahs
amongst other species.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES TO LINK WITH YOUR
WORKSHOP
DURING VISIT
• Focus on adaptations of birds to different habitats. Europe on the Edge is ideal
for this with open water birds with short legs and webbed feet for movement
and serrated beaks for feeding, long legged waders with probing beaks and
scavenging vultures with bald heads to keep clean.
• Focus on animals from extreme habitats e.g. camels or onager from the Asian
steppe, Sumatran Tiger from the island of Sumatra, Giant Otters from South
American rainforests.
• Plant adaptation, visit the Grow Zone to see carnivorous plants, cacti (Extreme
environments), orchids (imitators).
• Meet a Presenter. Our presenters run a series of short talks about our animals
and plants throughout the year, many of these include information related to
adaptations. They are also more than happy to answer questions. Please see
http://www.chesterzoo.org/education/animal-talks-and-exhibitions for times and
locations.
AFTER VISIT
• Design an imaginary animal/plant to survive in a specific habitat (or an
imaginary habitat).
Our “Rainforest Adaptations” session presents an
opportunity to see a Tapir skull.