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 3.2.4

Construct an explanation showing how variations in traits and behaviors can affect the ability of an individual to survive and reproduce. Examples of traits could include large thorns protecting a plant from being eaten or strong smelling flowers to attracting certain pollinators. Examples of behaviors could include animals living in groups for protection or migrating to find more food. (LS2.D, LS4.B)

• 3.2.4 Lesson Plan - Trait or Behavior
  Thanksgiving Point lesson plan about traits and behaviors
• A Peacock’s Tail - 3-LS1-1, 3-LS4-2
  This is a phenomenon video for 3.2.4. Science Phenomena: 3rd grade - Life Cycles and Traits
• Alligators Survive in Ice - 3-LS3-2
  This is a phenomenon video for 3.2.4. Science Phenomena: 3rd grade - Life Cycles and Traits
• Ant Cooperation - 3-LS2-1
  This is a phenomenon video for 3.2.4. Science Phenomena: 3rd grade - Ecosystem Change
• Can Prairie Dogs Talk? - 3-LS2-1
  Phenomenon video for 3.2.4. Science Phenomena: 3rd grade - Ecosystem Change
• Desert Beetle Harvests Water - 3-LS4-3
  Phenomenon video for 3.2.4. Science Phenomena: 3rd grade - Ecosystem Change

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