In this performance task, students choose an animal or plant to research in order to find out how its parts work together as a system in order to respond to the environment. Next, they create a system model to explain how information from the environment is processed by their animal's or plant's parts. If you have time to extend the performance task, we recommend having your students present their research using a multimedia format.

Step 1: Plan ahead

We have chosen four animals and one plant, and a non-fiction reading for each, that your students can use for the performance task. Before the lesson, decide if you will use the provided resources or if you will have your students select their own animals or plants and find research resources independently.

If using the provided resources, print out copies of each reading for students to annotate while researching. The resources are linked below.

Students will also need their completed Owl System Model that they have been adding to after each Mystery.

Step 2: Print out worksheets

Each teacher will need:

• One Animal and Plant System Model resource. This includes a brief overview of the readings for each of the four animals and one plant.
• An Animal and Plant Systems Final Project Rubric for each student. There are 3 versions; you can choose the best fit for your class.

Each student will need:

• One Final Project System Model packet. This includes the list of animal and plant choices, a Research Graphic Organizer, and a template for their System Model.
• One reading from our collection of Five Animal and Plant System Readings