SEEd - Grade 3
Lesson Plans

Strand 3.2: EFFECTS OF TRAITS ON SURVIVAL

Organisms (plants and animals, including humans) have unique and diverse life cycles, but they all follow a pattern of birth, growth, reproduction, and death. Different organisms vary in how they look and function because they have different inherited traits. An organism's traits are inherited from its parents and can be influenced by the environment. Variations in traits between individuals in a population may provide advantages in surviving and reproducing in particular environments. When the environment changes, some organisms have traits that allow them to survive, some move to new locations, and some do not survive. Humans can design solutions to reduce the impact of environmental changes on organisms.

Standard 3.2.3

Construct an explanation that the environment can affect the traits of an organism. Examples could include that the growth of normally tall plants is stunted with insufficient water or that pets given too much food and little exercise may become overweight. (LS3.B)

• How Badger, Skunk and Sage Hen Were Marked
  According to Paiute legend, the hawk and the coyote were not always animals as we see them now. Long ago, they were people, like you and me. The hawk was known as Kuhsawv, and the coyote was known as Soonungwuv. Coyote tales are part of the Paiute oral tradition used to teach proper behavio, natural phenomenon and values from an early age. These stories are only told during the winter time. The Coyote illustrates the mischievous nature in all of us. Students will listen to a Paiute tale and learn about folktales. They will also be introduced to the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, the location and how tribal members are working to preserve their language and culture. Students will also learn about how external structures and adaptations of animals help them to survive in their environment through a group activity. 
• Ice Turns Himalayan Rabbits Black - 3-LS3-2
  This is a phenomenon video for 3.2.3. Science Phenomena: 3rd grade - Life Cycles and Traits
• Living, Nonliving or Once Living
  Students investigate what it means to be alive. Students sort items into three categories: living, nonliving, or once living. Yeast and cornmeal are similar looking powders and students will conduct an experiment to see if either powder is alive. A terrarium is used to demonstrate to students that living, nonliving, and once living materials all interact in an ecosystem.
• Why Do Humans Different Colored Skin? - 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2
  Phenomenon video for 3.2.3. May be a little advanced for 3rd grade. Science Phenomena: 3rd grade - Life Cycles and Traits

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http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Jennifer  Throndsen and see the Science - Elementary website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.