Standard: Science

24 Feb 2021

Adaptations in Nature

August-June

Plants and animals have different adaptations and life cycles that increase their chances of survival within their environment. Explore the field and forest at Greenacres to look for some unique plant and animal bodies and behaviors. 

Ohio Science Standards

  • LS Grade 3: Individuals of the same kind differ in their traits and sometimes the differences give individuals an advantage in surviving and reproducing.
  • LS Grade 3: Plants and animals have life cycles that are part of their adaptations for survival in their natural environments

NGSS Standards

  • 3-LS2-1. Construct an argument that some animals form groups that help members survive.
  • 3-LS3-2. Use evidence to support the explanation that traits can be influenced by the environment
  • 3-LS4-2. Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing
  • 3-LS4-3. Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.

Video Introduction and Vocabulary:

behavior, body parts, trait, survive, physical features, adaptation, life cycles

24 Feb 2021

Life at the Stream

April-October

Exploring nature is an important part of developing a relationship with our environment. Streams are an essential resource to many Ohio plants and animals, including humans.  Take time to discover the stream at Greenacres and make observations as we look for plants and animals that call it home.

Ohio Science Standards

  • 2.LS.1: Living things cause changes on Earth.
  • 2.LS.2: All organisms alive today result from their ancestors, some of which may be extinct. Not all kinds of organisms that lived in the past are represented by living organisms today.

NGSS Standards

  • 2-LS4-1. Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.
  • 2-ESS2-3. Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid.

Video Introduction and Vocabulary:

macroinvertebrates, fossil, extinct, habitat

18 Feb 2021

Basic Needs of Living Things in Nature

August-June

Plants and animals require food, water, shelter, space, and air to survive. We will explore how those basic needs are met in each habitat at Greenacres.

Ohio Science Standards:

  • LS Grade 1: Living things have basic needs, which are met by obtaining materials from the physical environment.
  • LS Grade 1: Living things survive only in environments that meet their needs.

NGSS Standards:

  • 1-LS1-1. Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.

    Video Introduction and Vocabulary:

    habitat, living, nonliving, food, water, shelter, space, air

    18 Feb 2021

    Pond Exploration

    April – October

    Exploring nature is an important part of developing a relationship with our environment. Ponds are an essential resource to many Ohio plants and animals. Students will make observations, while visiting the pond at Greenacres, and discover what creatures call this habitat home.

    Ohio Science Standards:

    • LS Grade K: Living things have specific characteristics and traits.
    • LS Grade K: Living things have physical traits and behaviors, which influence their survival.

    NGSS Standards:

    • K-LS1-1. Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
    • K-ESS3-3. Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.

    Vocabulary: observation, living, nonliving, compare, physical traits, behavior

    Video Introduction: CLICK HERE for a pond video with a Greenacres educator

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