Process

  1. Get into a group of three students. Each student will choose one environment (tundra, grasslands, or desert) about which he or she will become an expert.
  2. Divide into "expert groups" (Find one or two students from other groups who have your same environment.) Using, the "climates" and "animal environments" web sites below, research the characteristics of your environment. Take written notes and find a photograph that provides a good example of what your environment would look like. 
  3. Return to your home group. As a group and using the knowledge of each "expert," create three new (made-up) animals with three adaptations that will help it survive in its own environment. Use the "animal adaptations" web site below to help with ideas.
  4. Make a drawing of each animal and label each physical trait or adaptation.

Use these websites to research and answer the questions listed under tasks. Also you may find the World Book in Pioneer Library helpful.

animal adaptations

inherited vs. learned traits

climates (biomes)

animal environments (climates)

Requirements of Presentation:

  1. Title Page (Include your names.)
  2. Subtitle pages for each environment or biome. (Include a short description.)
  3. After each environment slide, create a slide containing the drawing of your animal and a description of how each physical trait or adaptation will give it a survival advantage.
  4. Conclusion (Describe what you learned about animal adaptations.)