Elementary School Lessons - A mini-unit using citizen science to teach survival and genetics at the elementary level

Elementary school lessons

Lesson description: In this mini-unit, teachers are presented with a collection of lessons that will help them incorporate Squirrel Mapper into their existing curriculum. These lessons cover a variety of standards from genetic inheritance to mechanisms for survival. All lessons and activities can be modified to fit within the constraints of a specific grade level or timeline.

Grade Level: prek - 4th Grade

NYS Standards: (pre-k) P-LS1-1, P-LS3-1 / (Kindergarten) K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1 / (First) 1-LS3-1 / (second) 2-LS2-2, 2-LS4-1 / (Third) 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2 / (Fourth) 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2

21st century skills: creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking

Created by: Kara Vredenburgh

objectives: The student will be able to…

  • describe characteristics (provide one example) a gray squirrel (of any color) needs to survive.

  • describe similarities and differences between offspring and their biological parents (genetic variation - a gray/black/white/brown black coat on an offspring whose parents possess different gene combinations).

  • explain how EGS use their external parts to help them survive in the environment (providing at least one example like coat color, feet mechanisms, tail).  (Show squirrel ninja video and have students identify body parts/mechanisms that help in survival)

  • explain how plants and animals depend on each other for survival.

  • identify and list what animals need to survive.

  • explain why different animals are found in different habitats.

  • explain, using evidence, how plants and animals have traits inherited from parents and that variation of these traits exists in a group of similar organisms. (kids video on genetic traits passed down)

  • explain (using evidence) that traits can be influenced by the environment.

  • construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.

*The objectives listed above are a complete list over 6 lessons for varying grade levels. The lessons and objectives should be modified to best fit the needs of your classroom and its students.*

key vocabulary: scientist, biologist, observe, experiment, nonliving, living, habitat, survive, camouflage, gene, trait

Kika Tuff