In this unit, students analyze the structures of organisms and explore how those structures enable animals to survive in their environment. Students also explore instincts and learned behaviors, building models of animal information processing systems to more fully understand their behaviors.
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.
This is a NEW lesson we are BETA testing! If you prepped before 6/1/24 or if you have a Mystery Pack, you'll need to gather the supplies listed below.
In this lesson, students explore how animals receive information through their senses and process that information in their brain, using instincts and memories to guide their behaviors. In the activity, Raccoon Reactions, students use models to understand how an animal’s senses, brain, and memories all work together as a system to influence their behavior and support their survival.
Please note: This is a NEW lesson we are BETA testing! If you have a Mystery Pack, you’ll need to gather most of the supplies listed below.
We suggest students work in pairs. Homeschool students can work on their own.
Prepare Bags
Divide the paper bags into two equal piles. We suggest labeling each bag in the first pile “1” and each bag in the second pile “2." These will correspond to “Mystery Item 1” and “Mystery Item 2” in the activity.
Place one cotton ball into each bag in the first pile. You’ll distribute one of these bags to each pair of students in Step 5 of the activity.
Place one small square of aluminum foil into each of the other bags. Try to avoid squeezing the foil into a ball because that will make it difficult for students to feel the texture. You’ll distribute one of these bags to each pair of students in Step 15 of the activity.
Make Sure You Have Space
Ensure that each pair of students has enough space to lay out their Raccoon Brain models and the Memory Cards. Two student desks side-by-side should be sufficient.
Lesson 5: Animal Groups & Learned Behavior
No materials required.
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