Format
1. Introduction to the Zoo and the World's Largest Desert and World's Largest Glazed Geodesic Dome.
2. Begin our search for animals and plants that live in the desert and the adaptations that help them survive.
3. What does a desert look like, and what makes a place a desert?
4. Interactive game
5. Search for more animals in the desert and their adaptations.
6. Discuss desert adaptations we have not yet seen.
7. Desert fact or fiction game.
8. Time for questions.
Objectives
• Discuss the unique challenges facing animals in the desert.
• Identify adaptations that help animals and plants survive in the desert.
• Compare and contrast desert plants with non-desert plants
Standards Alignment
National Standards
Patterns K-2
Patterns 3-5
Systems and system models 3-5
Structure and function K-2
ESS3A K-2 -- Natural resources
ESS3C K-2 -- Human impacts on Earth systems
LS1A 3-5 -- Structure and function
LS1A K-2 -- Structure and function
LS1B 3-5 -- Growth and development of organisms
LS1C 3-5 -- Organization for matter and energy flow in organisms
LS1C K-2 -- Organization for matter and energy flow in organisms
LS2A 3-5 -- Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
LS3A 3-5 -- Inheritance of traits
LS3B K-2 -- Variation of traits
LS4C K-2 -- Adaptation
LS4D K-2 -- Biodiversity and humans
PS3D 3-5 -- Energy in chemical proceses and everyday life
State Standards
Nebraska Science Standards
2.3.1 Students will investigate the characteristics of living things
2.3.2 Students will recognize changes in living things
2.3.4 Students will recognize changes in organisms
Or
5.3.1.b Identify how parts of plants and animals function to meet basic needs
5.3.2 Students will identify variations of inherited characteristics and live cycles.
5.3.4.a Describe adaptations made by plants or animals to survive environmental changes
Or
8.3.4 Students will identify characteristics of organisms that help them survive.