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A Duck Out of Water – 3rd Grade

“A Duck Out of Water” – 3rd Grade – Birds evolved from dinosaurs and early reptiles (3-LS4-1).  Over many millions of years their adaptations have become quite complex and specific, allowing bird to survive in an incredible variety of places using a wide variety of strategies (3-LS4-2).  This program explores the origins of birds, their survival strategies, and how these strategies come into play when their environment is altered through human activities (i.e. – agriculture) or natural disasters (i.e. – hurricanes) (3-LS4-3 and 4).  Role playing and the opportunity to design “the perfect bird” are some of the engaging and creative activities that may be included in this program. Live raptors, activities/games appropriate for a variety of learners, and FUN are a part of every TRC program.

NGSS: 3-LS4-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4

Cross Cutting Concepts: (LS4-2, 3) Cause and effect relationships are routinely identified and used to explain change. (LS4-1) Observable phenomena exist from very short to very long time periods. (LS4-4) A system can be described in terms of its components and their interactions.  

Disciplinary Core Ideas: (LS4-4) Organisms are sometimes able to adapt to new environments, and sometimes they cannot.  (LS4-1) Fossils can help us piece together the ancestry of organisms. (LS2, 3, 4) Natural selection, adaptations, and biodiversity are all affected by the environment.  

Practices of Science: Analyzing and interpreting data, constructing explanations and designing solutions, engaging in argument from evidence

Vocabulary:  characteristic, compete, mate, member, migrate, need, reproduce, shelter, survive, temperature, variation, natural selection, adaptation, variable

Science Standards This Program Meets

3-LS4-1 Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

  • Grade: 3rd Grade
  • Discipline: Life Science
Requirements:
Analyze and interpret data from fossils to provide evidence of the organisms and the environments in which they lived long ago.
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3-LS4-2 Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

  • Grade: 3rd Grade
  • Discipline: Life Science
Requirements:
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.
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3-LS4-3 Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

  • Grade: 3rd Grade
  • Discipline: Life Science
Requirements:
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.
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3-LS4-4 Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

  • Grade: 3rd Grade
  • Discipline: Life Science
Requirements:
Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change.
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About Teton Raptor Center

Teton Raptor Center is a non-profit organization located in Wilson, WY. Our work is focused around three pillars of research, rehabilitation, and education. Our education team is ready to deliver on just about any life science topic you could ask for! All programs are prepared and delivered for the grade, standards, and topics requested by the teacher. Program cost for us to travel to your school begins at $145 per program. Do NOT let cost be a reason not to inquire… we will work with you to help find funds for these awesome opportunities!

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Who Any student, any age - we recommend keeping group size small (i.e. - class rather than assembly) so that we can get to know each group and engage in hands-on activities.
What Life Science Lessons, K-5, using live raptors as the “hook”. We can adapt any of the programs listed here to a virtual platform!
When We are available year round - most flexible from October 1 - June 1
Where We can come to you! Programs are available anytime, virtually, indoors or outside. Call to inquire about our virtual and in-person opportunities! We will work to meet your needs and bring our fun experiential programs to you in the best and safest way possible.
Why Teton Raptor Center uses science every day. We are here to help students draw the connection between concepts and application. We bring the textbook to life. Our education team is ready to work directly with you to ensure our programs are meeting all of your expectations and needs. All STEAM subject areas are incorporated into our lessons.