Begin the lesson by discussing the essential role of water in animal life. Highlight how water helps animals break down food and remove waste, ensuring their health and survival.
Go to the LessonLesson Plans
Animal Needs – Water
Learning Objectives
- Understand the importance of water for animals and how it helps their bodies function properly.
- Identify different sources of water in animal environments, such as lakes, rivers, and streams.
- Explore how some animals obtain water from their food instead of drinking.
- Learn about animals with unique water needs, such as the desert tortoise and kangaroo rat.
Introduction and Hook
Direct Instruction
Explain how animals find water in their environments, such as lakes, rivers, and streams. Discuss the unique adaptations of animals like the desert tortoise and kangaroo rat that allow them to survive with minimal water.
Use the video 'Creature Comforts: The Fascinating Needs of Animals Big and Small!' to illustrate how animals meet their water needs. This video provides engaging examples of animal adaptations.
Guided Exploration
Encourage students to explore different sources of water in their local environment and discuss how various animals might use these sources.
Watch the video 'Animals and Offspring – Caring for Young' to understand how water needs are met in the context of animal parenting and offspring care.
Hands-On Activity
Conduct an activity where students classify animals based on their water needs and sources. Use images or models to represent different animals.
Independent Practice
Assign students to research an animal of their choice and create a short presentation on how it meets its water needs.
Check for Understanding
Use the assessment 'How Do Animals Meet Their Needs?' to evaluate students' understanding of animal adaptations related to water.
Review and Reflection
Facilitate a class discussion to reflect on the different ways animals meet their water needs and the importance of water in their survival.
Assessment and Extension
Administer the 'Vertebrates and Invertebrates' assessment to test students' knowledge of animal classification and their understanding of water needs.
Try the Quiz
Encourage students to explore further by researching animals with unique water needs, such as those living in arid environments.
