explore and explain how external structures and functions of animals such as the neck of a giraffe or webbed feet on a duck enable them to survive in their environment; and
A student expectation is directly related to the knowledge and skills statement, is more specific about how students demonstrate their learning, and always begins with a verb. Student expectations are further broken down into their component parts, often referred to as “breakouts.”
identify the different structures that animals have that allow them to interact with their environment such as seeing, hearing, moving, and grasping objects;
identify the external structures of different animals and compare how those structures help different animals live, move, and meet basic needs for survival;
record and compare how the structures and behaviors of animals help them find and take in food, water, and air;
S.3.13.A
explore and explain how external structures and functions of animals such as the neck of a giraffe or webbed feet on a duck enable them to survive in their environment; and
identify and model the main functions of the systems of the human organism, including the circulatory, respiratory, skeletal, muscular, digestive, urinary, reproductive, integumentary, nervous, immune, and endocrine systems;
describe how variations of traits within a population lead to structural, behavioral, and physiological adaptations that influence the likelihood of survival and reproductive success of a species over generations.
analyze the interactions that occur among systems that perform the functions of regulation, nutrient absorption, reproduction, and defense from injury or illness in animals; and
AQUA.13.B
describe how adaptations allow an organism to exist within an aquatic environment; and
AQUA.13.C
compare adaptations of freshwater and marine organisms.
Recurring themes and concepts — Connections to the content
Recurring themes and concepts provide a connective structure for scientific ideas across disciplines. The connection(s) below show some ways that teachers can help students understand how the content they are learning fits into the broader understanding of science. These connections do not represent all possible connections that might be made but highlight some that are appropriate for this grade level.
Patterns
Patterns are regular sequences that can be found throughout nature.
Animals in similar environments have similar structures (patterns). For example, desert animals have tough skins which resist water loss.
Model the interdependence and parts of a system
A system is a whole made of parts that work together. It has components and boundaries. It can interact with or be part of other systems.
An organism's structures allow it to perform specific tasks and, when combined, the organism (system) thrives in its environment.
Relationship between structure and function
A structure is an organized arrangement of particles, parts, or elements in a substance, body, or entity. A function is the purpose or reason for something to exist in a system. The function of a structure depends on the shapes of and relationships among its essential parts.
Animal external structures enable certain functions. For example, webbed feet enable an animal to move easily and quickly through the water.