In this exploration of animal adaptations, students are presented with the problem of preparing an ideal traveler for a visit to an extreme environment and designing the ideal shoe for this traveler to wear in this environment. Students learn what it means for an organism to be adapted to its environment and how different adaptations can be categorized. Through various investigations, students explore adaptations for protection, camouflage, food obtainment, and locomotion. Students combine all of their knowledge of plant and animal adaptations with their understanding of the extreme environment to prepare their travelers and design their shoes.