Activity
Animorphs
Time: Two 50-minute class periods
Source: Teacher developed
Students design their own creature and discuss the structures and functions of its adaptations. They will randomly select three adaptations for their Animorph from the Adaptations Chart. Students will then design their own Animorph from raw materials provided (arts and crafts materials, recycled items, fabric remnants). Students will present their Animorph and include a two-part “scientific name” based on its characteristics, the function of every structure and explain how each structure helps the Animorph survive.
Questions for Student Analysis
- Is your Animorph a mammal? Insect? Reptile? Amphibian? Bird? Fish? What modern organism (on Earth today) or ancient organism (extinct) is your Animorph most like? Explain the similarities between the two.
- In what environment would your Animorph be most likely to survive? – a desert, a tropical rain forest, plains, icecaps, mountains, or an ocean. Explain how it is best adapted to that environment.
- Based on its habitat and adaptations, what does your Animorph eat?
- If a sudden climate change occurred, such as a flood or a drought, would your Animorph survive? What adaptation does it have for surviving such a drastic environmental change?
TEKS: 8.6, 8.11
TAKS
Objectives: 2
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