Animal Adaptations
A WebQuest for 3-5th Grades
Introduction
Slides 1-6
Task
Slides 7
Process
Slide 8
Evaluation
Slide 9
Conclusion
Slide 10
Who do you think will win this battle?
Why don’t you see this very often?
Is sticking your head in an
alligator’s mouth safe?
Here’s a fact to “chew” on…
An Alligator snaps its mouth shut with 3000 lbs.
of pressure per square inch of force. It only takes
12 lbs. of pressure to break a bone.
Would you pet this animal?
Most people know they shouldn't
touch a wild Tarantula but it's
probably not a good idea to get too
close to them either. When a
Tarantula feels threatened it uses its
feet to grab hairs from its back and
then throws them at its opponent.
They are barbed, like fishhooks,
making it hard to get rid of. They
really sting when they get in the
attacker's eyes.
Here are some basic facts
about animals
All animals live in habitats…
But think about these habitats…
Habitats provide food, water, and shelter
which animals need to survive, but there is
more to survival than just the habitat.
Living in these environments can be difficult.
Animals also depend on their physical features
to help them obtain food, keep safe, build
homes, withstand weather, and attract mates.
These physical features are called physical
adaptations.
Task
• Watch this introductory video on animal adaptations:
http://www.teachersdomain.org/asset/tdc02_vid_defense/
• Explore various habitats (using websites listed below).
Focus on how the animals use various animal
adaptations to survive.
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–
–
–
–
–
Desert Animals:http://www.desertusa.com/animals.html
Arctic Animals:http://www.mnh.si.edu/arctic/html/wildlife.html
Various Habitats:http://pbskids.org/wildkratts/home.html
Biomes of the World:http://www.mbgnet.net/sets/index.htm
Amazing Animals: http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/animals/
Biodiversity in the City:
http://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/biodiversity/?pop=29467#http://ww
w.amnh.org/ology/features/lifeinthecity/?ref=29467&fw=630&fh=400
Task Continued…
• Select an animal you think has the most unique
adaptation feature to nominate as a candidate for
the “best animal adaptation” poster contest. Include
the following:
– A persuasive paragraph description explaining the details of its unique
adaptation feature
– 5 fast facts about the animal
– A map that depicts where the animal can be found in the world
• The posters will be displayed and voted on to decide
which animal has the best adaptation.
Evaluation
Needs
Improvement
1 point
Satisfactory
2 points
Good
3 points
Exemplary
4 points
Description of
Animal
Adaptation
Paragraph
included little
to a few
details.
Contained
information
not related to
topic.
Paragraph
included a few
supporting
details that
related to the
topic.
Paragraph
included
adequate
supporting
details that
related to the
topic.
Paragraph had
many
supporting
details that
enhanced the
topic. Well
written and
explained.
Creativity
Lacking
Developing
Emerging
Mastered
Completion of
Report
Missing many
components.
Missing a few
components.
Met almost all
the
requirements.
Fully met all
requirements.
Conclusion
• Recognize and/or award students certificates
for best animal adaptation posters.
• Review the main
ways and features
that all animals
adapt to their
environment.
Camouflage
Protective coloration to aid an animal to
survive in its environment.
Hibernation
Escaping the harsh winter by hiding in a safe
and warm place and then sleeping until it is
warm again.
Migration
Movement of animals to reach better
conditions of temperature, food and shelter.
Mimicry
A weaker animal copies a stronger animals'
characteristics to warn off predators.