Suited for Survival explores animal adaptations from pokey porcupines to super soft chinchillas. Students will learn how unique adaptations help animals survive.
This virtual school program is part of Conservation Classroom, a collection of monthly lessons for K-5 students. Each lesson has four elements: wonder (video), engage (live virtual program), act (activities), and connect (video). Follow along with all four parts or pick and choose the videos and activities you want to explore.
K-5
Supports NGSS K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, 1-LS1-2, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-3, 4-LS1-1
mammals, survival, adaptations, animal traits, animal behavior
patterns, structure and function
Free
Wonder
I wonder... what is an adaptation? Bring your curiosity along on an adventure to learn about a variety of animal adaptations that help animals survive in their habitat.
Me pregunto… ¿qué es una adaptación? Lleva tu curiosidad a una aventura para aprender sobre una variedad de adaptaciones animales que los ayudan a sobrevivir en su hábitat.
Engage
Access the recording to enjoy the program that aired on December 11, 2024.
In this free, live virtual program, students met some amazing mammals at the Small Mammal House and investigated the adaptations they have for survival.
Want to explore habitats with different animals? Check out last year's recording at the Reptile Discovery Center.
Language & Access: English, Spanish (simulcast), American Sign Language interpretation, and live English captions.
Act
During the live program, draw along as we learn about animal adaptations. After the program, create your own animal with unique adaptations. Share your drawings with us at nzp-education@si.edu.
Durante el programa en vivo, acompáñenos mientras aprendemos sobre las adaptaciones de los animales. Después del programa, crea tu propio animal con adaptaciones únicas. Comparta sus dibujos con nosotros en nzp-education@si.edu.
Connect
Meet Mimi, an animal keeper at the Zoo's Small Mammal House! As part of her "unZOOsual" career, Mimi uses her knowledge of animal adaptations to care for the over 30 species.
For Educators
Educator's Materials
Conservation Classroom: Suited for Survival is best suited for grades K-5. The full lesson consists of two videos, a live program, and two activities. Refer to the Smithsonian Learning Lab collection to help teach this lesson.
Letter to Guardians
After participating in the live program, print or send the following letter to guardians, explaining what their student learned in this lesson and how they can continue to engage from home.
Carta para el tutor
Después de participar en el programa en vivo, imprima o envíe la siguiente carta a los tutores, explicando lo que su estudiante aprendió en esta lección y cómo pueden continuar participando desde casa.
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