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. Desert Animals:http://www.desertusa.com/animals.html Arctic Animals:http://www.mnh.si.edu/arctic/html/wildlife.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://www.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 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.