Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the basic concepts of Earth Science as it relates to zoos.

Materials and Prep

• Paper and pencil
• Access to the internet or books about zoos

Activities

1. Research: Use the internet or books to learn about different types of animals found in zoos. Write down at least three interesting facts about each animal.
2. Animal Adaptations: Choose one animal from your research and identify its unique adaptations that help it survive in its natural habitat. Draw a picture of the animal and label its adaptations.
3. Food Chain: Create a food chain using three animals from your research. Draw arrows to show the flow of energy from one animal to another. Explain how each animal depends on the others in the food chain.

Fourth Grade Talking Points

• "Zoos are places where animals from all over the world are kept for educational and conservation purposes."
• "Animals in zoos come from different habitats and have unique adaptations that help them survive."
• "Adaptations are special characteristics or behaviors that help animals meet their needs in their environment."
• "Food chains show how energy is transferred from one living thing to another in an ecosystem."
• "Each animal in a food chain depends on other animals for food and survival."