Information for Teachers
Curriculum links
This investigation is linked to the following Grade 4 Next Generation Science Standards.
LS1.A: Structure and Function
Plants and animals have both internal and external structures that serve various functions in growth, survival, behavior, and reproduction. (4-LS1-1)
ESS2.E: Biogeology
Living things affect the physical characteristics of their regions. (4-ESS2-1)
How to search the internet
1 Keep your request short
Fewer words will give a more accurate search.
2 Choose exactly what you want
For example: Arctic Circle Climate
3 Use quotes
Double quotes around a set of words tell the search engine to consider those exact words in that exact order without any change. For example: “Arctic Circle Climate”
4 Use the plus sign (+)
If you add a plus sign (+) between words, the internet will search for all the words. For example: migrate+birds+whales+mammal
5 Use the minus sign (–) to say what you don’t want
Use a minus sign (–) to show words you do not want to appear in your results. For example: if you search for burrowing animals and do not want mammals in your search, –mammals will exclude mammals. Note that you need to put a space before the minus sign for the word to be excluded.
6 Be very clear about what you don’t want
Part 1
Ask questions and define problems
After reading Animal Architects, you may have many questions about animals that design and construct their underground homes.
List your questions
- Compare your list with questions that others have.
- Choose a question you would like to investigate.
- You can work alone, with a partner, or in a small group.
You may want to choose one or more of these questions to investigate
Q1. Why do some animals design and dig burrows?
Q2. How do burrowing animals protect their homes?
Q3. How do they survive in these burrows?
Q4. How do they raise their young underground?
Go to Part 2 Investigate →Part 2
Investigate
Do searches in the internet or in books or talk to people who can help to find the information you are looking for.
Your teacher may suggest suitable websites for further information.
Go to Part 3 Record data →Part 3
Record data
Find a way of recording your information that will allow you to see any patterns in the data.
Data Chart for Animal Architects
(Download and change to suit your information)
Download Chart
Go to Part 4 Organize, analyze, and interpret data →
Part 4
Organize, analyze, and interpret data
1. Look over the information you have gathered and the patterns you have found.
Where do animals make their underground homes?
Why do they need to do this?
2. Search for other patterns.
How do these animals gather their food? Why?
What might happen if there was no food for them?
How do they care for their young?
3. Makes notes about what you find.
Go to Part 5 Present and share →Part 5
Present and share
Look over all of the information that you have gathered in your investigation.
What are the most important ideas about burrowing animals?
Make a chart showing the most important ideas.
Download Chart
Download Chart
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