Animal Life and Environment Planning Matrix

Major Concepts

  1. Animals have basic needs that must be met in the wild or as pets.
  2. Living and nonliving objects can be classified by their properties.
  3. Animals have adapted to survive in different biomes. (migrating, hibernating, seeking or creating shelter, body parts, food they eat …).
  4. We can use what we learn (about animals and their needs) in class in real life.
Categories/Dimensions of Science

Concepts

Activities

Assessment Indicator

Inquiry

Objects can be grouped by properties.

We can learn by observing and thinking.

Gerbil Observation

Classification of animals

 

Physical Science

     

Life Science

Animals have basic needs that must be met in the wild, zoo, or as pets (water, food, space, temperature, shelter, exercise, light/dark).

Gerbil Observation

What do animals eat and drink?

 

Earth Science

Seasons are cyclical and can cause extreme weather differences.

Seasonal adaptations

 

Technology

     

Personal and Social

We can use what we learn (about animals and their needs) in class and in real life.

Gerbil Observation

Responsibilities for pets

 

History and Nature of Science

     

Systems, order, and organization

Living and nonliving objects can be classified by their properties.

Classification of animals  

Evidence, models, and explanations

Observations can be used to understand the world and answer questions.

Pictures can be used to help remember and explain ideas.

Gerbil Observation

 

Constancy, change, and measurement

Different animals have similar and different properties.

Properties of animals that help them survive can be observed in zoo animals even if zoo animals are being cared for by humans

Classification of animals

Animal habitat

 

Evolution and equilibrium

Animals have adapted to survive in different biomes. (migrating, hibernating, seeking or creating shelter, body parts, food they eat …).

Animal habitat

Seasonal adaptations

 

Form and function

Animals have features (form) that are related to certain behaviors (function) and that serve a purpose for the animal's survival.

Animal habitat

What do animals eat and drink?

Animal movement

 

Attitude

I am responsible for the ethical treatment of animals.

Animal habitat

 

See Activity Plans