Sample Lesson Plan

So, I am not sure if I have done this correctly, but here is my sample lesson plan using the template on page 160.

Curriculum Standard
5th Grade Science 3: Predict characteristics, structures, life cycles, environments, evolution, and diversity of organisms.
a) Compare and contrast the diversity of organisms due to adaptations to show
how organisms have evolved as a result of environmental changes. (DOK 2)
• Diversity based on kingdoms, phyla, and classes (e.g., internal/external
structure, body temperature, size, shape)
• Adaptations that increase an organism’s chances to survive and
reproduce in a particular habitat (e.g., cacti needles/leaves, fur/scales)

Big Idea: There are subtypes of species, and each subtype exhibits characteristics which help them adapt to their environment.

Preparation

• Ask the students if they are familiar with the term subtype, or subspecies.
• Define the term(s) if they are unfamiliar.
• Use the trade book Deer, Elk, Moose, and Caribou as a visual representation of the term.

• Discuss how the different types of deer have traits that help them adapt to their environment. Some questions would be: 1) Why would a white-tailed deer not neet a thick coat of fur, as the moose does, to survive in its common environment? 2) Caribou have wide hooves that help them trek through snow. Do you think that they would be as successful without this trait?

Guidance

• The teacher will assist students in making a list of animals that contain a subspecies, or subtype.
• The teacher will assist students in listing the traits that each animal has in common and list those traits that differ, thus helping the animal adapt to its environment.
• The teacher will explain the big idea to the students using the guidance activity as a reference.
• The teacher will ask the students if they need any clarification before proceeding to the introduction of scientific classification.

Application

• Introduce classification of species.
• Examine how scientists classify animals.