The Best of Bugs Students will . . . Use information collected to ask and compare answers to questions about how an organism’s external features contribute to its ability to survive in an environment.
Examine organisms in a wide variety of environments to gather information on how animals satisfy their need for food - some animals eat only plants - some animals eat only other animals - some animals eat both plants and other animals.
Compare similar features in some animals and plants and explain how each of these enables the organism to satisfy basic needs.
Describe some of the ideas or questions that might result from examining organisms more closely. Use magnifying instruments to observe parts of a variety of living things, such as leaves, seeds, insects, worms, etc. to describe (drawing or text) parts seen with the magnifier.
Classify organisms according to one selected feature, such as body covering, and identify other similarities shared by organisms within each group formed. Use information gathered from observations to compare the descriptions (drawings or text) of the different parts seen.
Describe some parts of plants and describe what they do for the plant.
Respond, giving reasons to support the response, to the statement, “All living things are made of parts.” Give reasons why people should take care of their environments.
Recognize and describe that individual and group actions, such as recycling help the environment.
Recognize and describe that individual and group actions, such as littering, harm the environment. Use tools such as thermometers, magnifiers, rulers, or balances to extend their senses and gather data.
Recognize that tools are used to do things better or more easily and to do some things that could not otherwise be done at all.
Recognize that some kinds of materials are better than others for making a particular thing.
Explain that a model of something is different from the real thing but can be used to learn something about the real thing.
Make something out of paper, cardboard, wood, plastic, metal, or existing objects that can actually be used to perform a task.
Explain that sometimes it is not possible to make or do everything that is designed.
Explain that when parts are put together, they can do things that they couldn’t do by themselves.
Explain that something may not work if some of its parts are missing.
Describe and compare things in terms of number, shape, texture, size, weight, color, and motion.
Seek information through reading, observation, exploration, and investigations. Describe things as accurately as possible and compare observations with those of others.
Have opportunities to work with a team and share findings with others.