This activity is a brief introduction to adaptations as the group observes a live organism together. Adaptations are inheritable structures and behaviors that help a group of organisms survive in their habitat. Students start out observing an organisms’ structures, trying to figure which might help it survive in its habitat and which are inheritable. Then, they do the same with behaviors: attempting to figure out which ones are behavioral adaptations. To build understanding of a complex concept like adaptations, students need multiple exposures to it, which is why this activity should be followed by other adaptations-focused activities.

In this video an educator from the Hogle Zoo helps us understand more about beavers, the structure and function of their habitat, and more.

This is a lesson plan designed to teach students science standard 2 Standard 2.2.2Plan and carry out an investigation of the structure and function of plant and animal parts in different habitats. Emphasize how different plants and animals have different structures to survive in their habitat. Examples could include the shallow roots of a cactus in the desert or the seasonal changes in the fur coat of a wolf. (LS1.A, LS4.A, LS4.D)Students will demonstrate their knowledge by creating a newsletter using the Apple Pages app. 

In this unit of study students learn how an animal's body structure and behavior help it survive in its habitat. This unit integrates nine STEM attributes and was developed as part of the South Metro-Salem STEM Partnership's Teacher Leadership Team. Any instructional materials are included within this unit of study.

In this instructional video, the Hogle Zoo explains how to use the lesson plan "Beaver Puppet 2.2.2."

By participating in this activity, students will:
• understand the concept of structure and function and how it applies to a beaver's ability to create and live in a wetland habitat.
• make comparisons between their adaptations and the structure and function of a beaver's body for survival in its wetland habitat.

This powerpoint accompanies the lesson plan "A Night in the Life of a Beaver."

This powerpoint accompanies the lesson plan "A Night in the Life of a Beaver."

In this instructional video, the Hogle Zoo explains how to use the lesson plan "Beaver Tools of the Trade 2.2.2."

By participating in this activity, students will:
• understand the concept of structure and function and how it applies to a beaver's ability to create and live in a wetland habitat.
• make comparisons between unrelated objects through metaphorse to learn the structure and function of a beaver's body for survival in its wetland habitat.

Conservation organizations teamed up to document the climate vulnerability of mountain springs that support unique ecosystems. Now, the Alliance they formed facilitates restoration work to enhance habitats and improve resiliency.

In this instructional video, the Hogle Zoo explains how to use the lesson plan "Build a Beaver Dam 2.2.2 & 2.2.4."

By participating in this activity, students will:
• understand the benefits and problems with a human-made dam to an ecosystem
• understand the benefits and issues with the construction of a beaver-made dam to an ecosystem
• understand the adaptations and behavior of beavers in changing habitats
• use engineering skills to build a beaver dam
• understand the beneficial role beavers play in habitat construction for other animals, including people.

This video discusses how the concepts of structure and function can be taught using animal and plant adaptations.

This video takes a tour of the Hogle Zoo African Savanna exhibit and also discusses what elements go into creating an exhibit.

In this instructional video, the Hogle Zoo explains how to use the lesson plan "How to make an Exhibit."

By completing this activity, students will have a better understanding of what habitats are and what living things need to survive in their habitats. Students will create a model of an animal's habitat at a zoo. Each exhibit that the student's design will be uniquely suited to an individual species and its specific habitat needs. When all of the exhibits are combined to make a zoo, the lesson will also emphasize s the diversity of living things and underscore the everyday needs of living things as the exhibits will need to provide similar elements for the animal's survival.

This video asks you to identify habitat needs, animal adaptation and more while on a tour of the African Savanna exhibit at the Hogle Zoo.