A Museum of Science Traveling Program
Animal Adaptations
Description
Animal Adaptations is a
50-minute presentation
that helps students
observe and identify
evolutionary changes in
living animals and animal
skulls.
NGSS Connections• 3-LS3-1. Provide evidence, including through the analysis of data,
that plants and animals have traits inherited from parents and that
variation of these traits exist in a group of similar organisms.
• 3-LS3-2. Distinguish between inherited characteristics and those
characteristics that result from a direct interaction with the
environment. Give examples of characteristics of living organisms that
are influenced by both inheritance and the environment.
• 3-LS4-2. Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the
variations in characteristics among individuals within the same
species may provide advantages to these individuals in their survival
and reproduction.
• 3-LS4-3. Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular
environment some organisms can survive well, some survive less
well, and some cannot survive.
NGSS Connections• 3-LS4-4. Analyze and interpret given data about changes in a habitat
and describe how the changes may affect the ability of organisms that
live in that habitat to survive and reproduce.
• 3-LS4-5. Provide evidence to support a claim that the survival of a
population is dependent upon reproduction.
• 4-LS1-1. Construct an argument that animals and plants have internal
and external structures that support their survival, growth, behavior,
and reproduction.
• 5-PS3-1. Use a model to describe that the food animals digest (a)
contains energy that was once energy from the Sun, and (b) provides
energy and nutrients for life processes, including body repair, growth,
motion, body warmth, and reproduction.
NGSS Scientific and Engineering
Practices
• Asking questions and defining problems.
• Developing and using models.
• Analyzing and interpreting data.
• Constructing explanations and designing solutions.
• Engaging in argument from evidence.
• Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information.
Needs
We bring all materials and
equipment, including a
camera, video projector,
and screen. Access to
110-volt electricity is
required.
Space Requirements
The program can be set up in any room at least
24´ by 24´ in area. The floor must be clear, and all
sessions must be taught in the same room.
Goals: Observing Animals
Students observe up to
three live animals, from a
variety of classes, in a
very intimate setting.
Goals: Adaptations
The students identify
common characteristics
like skin covering and
origin, learning how
these are actually
adaptations for survival.
Goals: Classification
A secondary goal is to
clarify how adaptations
are used as the basis of
biological classification.
Goals: Skull Activity
The program culminates
with an activity. The
students observe a
variety of animal skulls
and try to identify
adaptations that helped
the animal survive.
Goals: Science Skills
Both the presentation and
activity exercise science
process skills, such as
observation, making valid
predictions, and data
collection.
Program Details• Can be booked for
school groups.
• Appropriate for third-,
fourth-, or fifth-grade
students studying
biological adaptations.
• A 40-minute introductory
version can be booked
for mixed third- through
fifth-grade groups.
Program Details
• Capacity is two classes
(50 students) per
session.
• Up to three consecutive
sessions can be taught
per day.
2017 – 2018 Prices
Modest mileage fees are charged for sites more than 30 miles away.
Sessions per Day Price
1 Session $400
2 Sessions $500
3 Sessions $600
Animal Adaptations
For information/reservations:
mos.org/travelingprograms
617-589-0354