We have been reading about animal adaptations in our science book. Adaptations are any behavioral or physical characteristics of an animal that help it to survive in its environment. These characteristics fall into three main categories: body parts, body coverings, and behaviors. Any or all of these types of adaptations play a critical role in the survival of an animal.

Adaptations can be either physical (structural) or behavioral. A physical adaptation is some type of structural modification made to a part of the body. A behavioral adaptation is something an animal does – how it acts – usually in response to some type of external stimulus. When you look at an animal, you usually can see some of its adaptations -- like what it is able to eat, how it eats, how it moves, or how it protects itself.

You have two options for your Student Showcase Project. Please read over each option carefully and then select which one you are going to do.

OPTION A: DISPLAY BOARD

Choose SIX animals from the attached list and create a tri-fold display board (2 animals in each panel) that includes the following for each animal:

· Picture of the animal

· Written description of animal’s habitat* (picture of habitat is optional)

· Written description of any physical adaptations (clearly labeled as physical)*

· Written description of any behavioral adaptations (clearly labeled as behavioral)*

*All written descriptions must be typed or handwritten by the student (they cannot be printed/photocopied from other sources)

· Works Cited page must be glued on to the back of the display board that shows the bibliographic information for all sources used in researching your six animals. . I have included examples of how to cite books, magazine, websites, etc.

OPTION B: 3-D ANIMAL, HABITAT and WRITTEN PAPER

Choose ONE animal from the attached list and:

· Write a paper (typed or handwritten) that describes your animal’s physical characteristics, habitat, and what it eats (PARAGRAPH 1) AND describes the physical and behavioral adaptations it possesses that help it to survive in its natural environment. (PARAGRAPH 2)

· Attach a Works Cited page to the paper that shows the bibliographic information for all sources used in researching your animal.

· Create a 3-D representation (make a diorama, build a model with clay, etc.) of your animal and it’s natural habitat. The animal must be completely MADE BY YOU. You may NOT use toys or stuffed animals. You may use items from a craft store to help decorate your habitat. If you are not sure if something you want to use is ok, please check with me!

Some important things to remember are:

· This assignment is to be completed at home.

· You must select an animal, or animals, from attached list. Any animals not on the list must be approved by Mrs. Boyd. It is ok if more than one student chooses a particular animal.

· You may use the Internet, books, encyclopedias, or any other resource to find information about the animal(s) you choose. You must include a Works Cited page that includes all bibliographic information from your sources. I have included examples of how to cite books, magazine, websites, etc.

· In total, this project is worth 200 points:

1. Signature sheet – 10 points

2. Selection form – 10 points

3. Project (Option A or B) – 150 points

4. Student Showcase Participation – 30 points

· Please see the attached grading scales to see how the projects will be graded. There are two separate grading scales: one for OPTION A and one for OPTION B.

· DON’T FORGET TO PUT YOUR NAME ON YOUR PROJECT!!!

DUE DATES:

· The Student/Parent Signature Sheet must be turned in tomorrow (Thursday, February 16.) This is worth 10 points. Late signature sheets will only receive 7 points.

· The Project Selection Form must be turned in by Tuesday, February 21 (but can be turned in earlier). This is worth 10 points. Late selection forms will only receive 7 points.

· The due date for this project is: Tuesday, March 7.

Late assignments will automatically lose 10 points the first day it’s late, and 2 points per day after that, and will not be accepted at all after Thursday, March 9.

· The Student Showcase is Thursday, March 9.

o You will be presenting your projects to the class on Tuesday, March 7 and Wednesday, March 8.

o We will be setting up the projects in the Parish Hall on Thursday, March 9.