1. We’re Dependent on Interdependence!
An Interactive Lesson on Interdependence and Survival

2. DO NOW: What is Interdependence?
DEFINITION: Interdependence is a mutual dependence between things.
Interdependence is a huge influence not only in nature, but our lives too. There is interdependence between plants and animals, humans and animals, and humans and plants.
Take out a piece of paper and write down an example of interdependence that you see every day.
Do we know what dependence or depend means? Okay, well when you place the prefix inter- (which means “between”) before the word dependence, it becomes interdependence. A mutual relationship. Further explanation will be provided when necessary. After the students are clear on the meaning of interdependence, they will take out a sheet of paper and write down any example they can think of that they deal with every day.

3. Which sentence gives a correct example of interdependence?
Humans depend on water for survival.
b) A butterfly depends on a flower for nectar; the flower depends on the butterfly to pollinate and make seeds for reproduction.
c) Rabbits depend on grass for food.
All right, now let’s think: what does interdependence mean again? So if humans depend on water, does that mean the water depends on humans? If rabbits depend on grass, does that mean grass depends on rabbits? (Maybe; because their droppings make great fertilizer!) Which answer is the correct choice?

4. That’s Right!
b) A butterfly depends on a flower for nectar; the flower depends on the butterfly to pollinate and make seeds for reproduction.
Why is this the correct answer and not the others? (Call on volunteers to explain) Yes! It’s because the two organisms rely on each other. It is a mutual relationship; unlike humans depending on water and rabbits which depend on grass, that is a one-way relationship. That is what dependency is.

5. So who benefits from interdependence? (Everyone! )
Producers
An organism that serves as a source of food for other organisms in a food chain.
Example: Green Plants that produce food through photosynthesis.
Consumers
 an organism in a food chain that receives energy by consuming other organisms. 
Example: All animals and humans.
Everyone benefits from interdependence!! Producers create food that’s usually eaten by consumers. For instance, plants get their energy from water and sunlight which causes them to grow. Those plants will them most likely be eaten by a deer. The deer receives its energy from its food, but in return the plants prosper from the energy the deer leaves behind after it dies.

6. Review: Q. What is dependence / interdependence?
Dependence is a one-way relationship where one organism relies on another for survival. Interdependence is a two-way; or mutual; relationship where both organisms rely on one another for survival.
Q. What is the difference between producers and consumers?
A. Producers are a food source for other organisms, while consumers are organisms which gain energy from other organisms (primarily producers).

7. Now that we know about dependence and interdependence, let’s learn why we need these relationships for survival…

8. Adaptations of Organisms
What are we born with that helps us survive?

9. What is adaptation? To get an idea of this concept, let’s look at some pictures. Who can tell me what animals they are?
Now, can someone tell me what type of traits a fish has that helps it survive?
What about the bird?
These traits that help animals survive their environment (i.e. gills, feathers, wings, fins) are called adaptations.
What is adaptation?
Any change in the structure or function of an organism that results from natural selection. The organism becomes better fitted to survive in its environment.

10. Nostrils and ears that close underwater.
Here are some more examples of adaptations. A volunteer can read each one.
Elephants
Their ears are huge because they contain a lot of large veins. When the elephant gets hot, the blood rushes to their ears and they fan them to cool the blood.
Kangaroos
With huge back feet and long tail for balance, they can jump up to 30-feet in a single leap.
Otters
Nostrils and ears that close underwater.

11. Animal Adaptations Let’s learn about some other adaptations! 

12. Review:
Q: What is adaptation? A: A characteristic or trait resulting by natural selection that assists the organism in survival. Q. What are some examples of adaptations of animals and humans? A. Camel: long eyelashes and thick eyebrows to keep sand out. Kangaroos: big feet for high jumping. Penguins: blubber to keep warm. *Bonus- Plants: Cactus’ store water in their stems (their roots search for water).*

13. TURN-AND-TALK: Now that we’ve learned about adaptations of animals, what are some adaptations that humans have?
Humans and apes are the only species that have opposable thumbs, which give us the ability to grab and hold with one hand. Our adaptations have evolved throughout time from the arch in our feet to the hair on their heads. Out adaptations also adjust to our skin pigment.

14. *ACTIVITY TIME*
Split up into 5 groups, you will create a Venn diagram in PowerPoint comparing 2 animals adaptation characteristics from the same species.
There will be four pieces of 5 different colors shuffled in a hat. Without looking, the child will reach in and pick. They’re group will correspond with the color of paper they chose.

15. What does a Venn Diagram looks like?
Adaptions for a
Leopard vs Cheetah
-Short Legs
-Spots are smaller and close together (Rosette pattern)
- Heavy and solid creatures
-Longer legs and longer tail
Solid spots
Light and fast (fastest animals in the world)
-Claws
-Both can be found in Africa
-Same species

16. How to Create a Venn Diagram in PowerPoint:
Directions:
Go to INSERT located next to HOME
Go to SHAPES -> Basic Shapes -> select (2x)
Position them so they intersect and there’s a middle column.
Format Shape: No Fill, Solid Line
INSERT -> Text Box -> create a box in each space in the Venn Diagram (totals to 3 text boxes)
The students will split up into their 5 groups. I will first demonstrate how to create the diagram while the students watch in their designated groups. I will also list instructions (which will be this slide) and leave them posted during the activity. I will be walking around and assisting my students during this activity. If this proves to be difficult, then I will have a copy and paste Venn Diagram which they will just fill the information in on the diagram.

17. FINAL PROJECT
When you’re finished with your project, we’ll present them with the class and learn the differences and similarities in adaptation of animals from the same species. WE GOT THIS!!!