Kindergarten
Unit 5: animal ambassadors
essential question: How DO animals survive in their environment?
Project Description: In this project, students develop their understanding of the needs of different plants and animals and the environments in which they live. Students use this knowledge to become Animal Ambassadors and design an environment that meets the needs of a wild animal. Students virtually meet a SeaWorld Rescue Ambassador, Project Wildlife Team Member, and San Diego Zookeeper as they explore what it takes to care for wildlife. They go on a field experience to the San Diego Zoo to inform their designs and revise their models. Students develop empathy for wildlife and our environment which prepares students to think deeply about the impact humans make on our environment in Unit 6.
next generation science standards
Performance Expectations
K-ESS2-2. Construct an argument supported by evidence for how plants and animals (including humans) can change the environment to meet their needs. [Clarification Statement: Examples of plants and animals changing their environment could include a squirrel digs in the ground to hide its food and tree roots can break concrete.]
K-ESS3-1. Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live. [Clarification Statement: Examples of relationships could include that deer eat buds and leaves, therefore, they usually live in forested areas; and, grasses need sunlight so they often grow in meadows. Plants, animals, and their surroundings make up a system.]
K-LS1-1. Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive. [Clarification Statement: Examples of patterns could include that animals need to take in food but plants do not; the different kinds of food needed by different types of animals; the requirement of plants to have light; and, that all living things need water.]
ONLINE Learning Resources
The Calendar and Resource Slides have been adjusted for online learning, however detailed lesson plans have not been created for online learning.
*Unit 5 is inspired by CA Science Framework IS1: Plant and Animal Needs, Project Wildlife, SeaWorld Rescue, and the San Diego Zoo.