ALEX Resources

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SC2015] (3) 10 :

10 ) Investigate how variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing (e.g., plants having larger thorns being less likely to be eaten by predators, animals having better camouflage coloration being more likely to survive and bear offspring).

This is an inquiry-based lesson that allows the students to investigate how an animal's color affects its chances of survival in its environment.  Students will explore evidence needed to explain the cause-and-effect relationship between an animal's coloring and its effect on the individual's ability to survive.

This lesson results from a collaboration between the Alabama State Department of Education and ASTA.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SC2015] (3) 10 :

10 ) Investigate how variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing (e.g., plants having larger thorns being less likely to be eaten by predators, animals having better camouflage coloration being more likely to survive and bear offspring).

[SC2015] (4) 9 :

9 ) Examine evidence to support an argument that the internal and external structures of plants (e.g., thorns, leaves, stems, roots, colored petals, xylem, phloem) and animals (e.g., heart, stomach, lung, brain, skin) function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.

Students listen to a book about a jackrabbit that wishes for horns so that he can be fierce. After listening to the read aloud, the students discuss animal adaptations for survival, including physical characteristics, habitat, and diet.

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SC2015] (3) 10 :

10 ) Investigate how variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing (e.g., plants having larger thorns being less likely to be eaten by predators, animals having better camouflage coloration being more likely to survive and bear offspring).

This learning activity should be used during a lesson or unit on variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species. Students will use various tools to replicate bird beaks and decide which one works best for each food type and situation. 

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SC2015] (3) 10 :

10 ) Investigate how variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing (e.g., plants having larger thorns being less likely to be eaten by predators, animals having better camouflage coloration being more likely to survive and bear offspring).

The classroom resource provides a video that will describe a variety of plant adaptations. After utilizing this resource, the students can complete the short test to assess their understanding.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SC2015] (3) 10 :

10 ) Investigate how variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing (e.g., plants having larger thorns being less likely to be eaten by predators, animals having better camouflage coloration being more likely to survive and bear offspring).

The classroom resource provides a video that will describe a variety of animal adaptations. After utilizing this resource, the students can complete the short test to assess their understanding.