While students' work on the research projects proceeds, the class compares and contrasts the animals' structures and behaviors in Lessons 13 through 15. In so doing, students discover how an animal is suited to life in its particular habitat and why most animals would not survive as well in a habitat with vastly different conditions. In Lesson 16, students present their research results to the class. By discussing results with peers who have researched the same behavior, students further recognize the importance of sharing research findings within a scientific community. Following Lesson 16 is a post-unit assessment that is matched to several assessments in the first few lessons.
Additional assessments provide further questions and challenges for evaluating student progress.
This is a challenging unit for students. They are responsible for the care of three different animals. They collect information on each animal through firsthand observation and research. As students apply this information to compare the animals' lifestyles, they develop an understanding that most animals are suited to life in a particular habitat. Students begin to become aware that the diversity of life is directly related to our planet's various environmental conditions.