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Why do some sea creatures look so strange?
Animal & Plant Adaptations Unit | Lesson 1 of 3
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Why do some sea creatures look so strange?

Animal & Plant Adaptations Unit | Lesson 1 of 3
Lesson narration:
English Spanish
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DISCUSS:
What makes it so much easier for a fish to live underwater, compared to a human?
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DISCUSS: (1 of 2)

What might be challenging about hunting prey in the ocean?

DISCUSS: (2 of 2)

What traits might help an underwater animal find and catch their food?

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Step
01/18
For this activity, you’ll work with a partner.
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Step
02/18
Get your supplies.
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Step
03/18
Flip each page over and fold it in half along the gray line so that the
words are on the outside. Use your fingernail to make a good crease.
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04/18
Stack the page with an “A” in the corner on top of the one with a “B.”
Fold your pages in half. Use your fingernail to make a good crease.
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05/18
Hold your stack of papers together. Have your partner cut along the dotted lines in the middle of the page. Then do the same for them.
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06/18
Lay your pipe cleaner on the black line in the middle of your journal.
Tuck the pipe cleaner’s ends into the cuts you made. Twist the ends
together tightly on the back of your journal.
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Step
07a/18
Observe the structures of different frogfish.
Discuss.
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Step
07b/18
Here’s what we noticed.
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Step
08/18
Watch the video of a frogfish.
Pay close attention to how it uses the structure on its head.
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Step
09/18
Discuss what you observed with your partner.
Then write your answers to questions 1A and 1B in your field journal.
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Step
10/18
Watch the video of a different kind of frogfish hunting for food.
Pay attention to how it gets close to its prey.
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Step
11/18
Open your field journal to questions 2A and 2B.
Discuss with your partner and write down your answers.
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Step
12/18
Watch the video of a frogfish.
Pay attention to how the frogfish’s traits help it eat its prey.
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13/18
Open your field journal to questions 3A and 3B.
Discuss with your partner and write down your answers.
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14/18
Watch the video of this frogfish.
Pay attention to how its structures help it eat its prey.
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Step
15/18
Open your field journal to question 4.
Discuss with your partner and write down your answer.
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Step
16/18
Open your field journal to the drawing on pages 5 & 6.
Circle and label ALL of the structures that help a frogfish catch and eat food.
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17/18
Flip your field journal to question 6.
Do you agree or disagree with the claim? Why?
Discuss with your partner and write down your answer.
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18/18
Discuss.
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DISCUSS: How do the reef squid’s traits work together to help it catch its prey?
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species


1 of 14

one specific kind of living thing that has similar characteristics and can produce offspring with one another
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trait


2 of 14

something you can observe about a living thing, such as the broad fins of a fish

behavior


3 of 14

the actions and reactions of living things
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predator


4 of 14

an animal that hunts and eats other animals
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prey


5 of 14

an animal that is hunted by and eaten by another animal
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environment


6 of 14

all the living and nonliving things in a particular place
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evidence


7 of 14

information that can be used to support or reject an idea
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camouflage


8 of 14

to blend in with the place around you
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structure


9 of 14

the specific form and shape of something

function


10 of 14

what something does
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system


11 of 14

a group of things that affect each other and function as a whole
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adaptation


12 of 14

a physical trait or behavior that helps a living thing survive in its environment
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internal


13 of 14

the inside of something, including the inside of living things
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external


14 of 14

the outside of something, including the outside of living things
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Featured Reviews

“Watching the videos was one of the best part of the lesson. Being able to see the videos in slow motion helped us understand the internal and external features of a frogfish and reef squid. Thank you Mystery Science!”
· Nicole · Teacher
“The students LOVED all of the videos. I loved how each one showed different behavioral and physical features. We all liked how the field guide helped with the videos. Great lesson!!!!”
· Leah · Teacher
“I thought the book that they created was fun. I also appreciated the way the kids had to think about what the behaviors of the frogfish were vs the structure. It made them think about each one and how it was unique to their adaptation. ”
· Emily · Teacher
“This lesson was great! The booklet followed along with the video perfectly. The students really enjoyed learning about the frogfish and its adaptations!”
· Maria · Teacher
“The students were introduced to a new fish species that they found really intriguing. They even want to complete a research project on the frogfish now. They were able to make connections to a background fish they have seen in a movie as well. It really deepened their knowledge of behavioral and structural adaptations as well. ”
· Emilee · Admin
“It was interesting getting to see the frogfish in action. My students really loved the slow motion part. It was an "ah-ha" moment they will never forget.”
· · Teacher
“The kids were totally engaged in the videos which promoted great discussions! Some students who don't always actively participate were able to share their knowledge and ideas. ”
· Eileen · Teacher
“My students were very engaged with this lesson. They found the frog fish and it's structures and adaptations fascinating. They enjoyed learning! Thank you! ”
· Lisa · Teacher
“Students enjoyed watching the frogfish hunt its prey! ”
· Michelle · Teacher
“I love this activity with the field journal. Students could interact with the video and write using their own language. The explanation and vocabulary added at the end empowered them to think like scientists and reinforced their ideas during the explanation. Fantastic new lesson design! ”
· Janet · Teacher
“Students loved the videos of the Frogfish and the "field journaling" that went with the lesson. ”
· · Teacher
“This is one of my favorites....so engaging!”
· Teresa · Teacher
“The students enjoyed learning about the frogfish and the structures that help it survive in the ocean. The videos were their favorite part!”
· Geneva · Teacher
“Everything was great! We loved the videos, the explanations, and the field journal activity.”
· · Teacher
Lesson narration:
English Spanish

Lesson details

Grade 4

Animal & Plant Adaptations

Animal Adaptations

Activity Prep

Print Prep
In this lesson, students make observations of an underwater animal, a frogfish, in order to collect evidence that its external structures serve specific functions. In the activity, Frogfish Finder , students use their observations to construct an argument that the frogfish’s external and internal structures work together as part of a system to support their growth and survival.
Preview activity

Vocabulary

Assessments

I have a Mystery Pack

Frogfish Field Journal printout Print 30 copies
Frogfish Field Journal Answer Key teacher-only resource 1 copy
Scissors
15 pairs
Pipe Cleaners
30 pipe cleaners
Prep Instructions

We suggest students work in pairs. Homeschool students can work on their own.

Standards

Jump to

Exploration

10 mins

Hands-On Activity

35 mins

Wrap-Up

10 mins

Lesson details

Grade 4

Animal & Plant Adaptations

Animal Adaptations

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Adaptations Lesson 1: Why do some sea creatures look so strange?

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