Mission Library

Adaptive Traits
Environmental Influences
3rd Grade

The Mission
18 min

Storyline

Students will use their knowledge of environmental influences to explain why plants and animals have changed over time.

There is a serious problem with the octopus population on Viper 1. Thousands of octopi are dying off seemingly without cause. The crew will need to first investigate why the octopus population is dwindling while the fish are growing in size. Secondly, the crew will analyze why the plants at the bottom of the ocean aren't thriving. Students will discover how organisms change over time based on their environment and will determine solutions to bring the environment back into balance.

3-Dimensional Science

Phenomenon

Plants and animals have specific structures that help them survive in different environments.

Science and Engineering Practices

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

The crew makes observations about the traits of plants and animals in different environments, analyzes data from the terrarium videos, and interprets the impact of changes in the ecosystem on the octopus population.

Asking Questions and Defining Problems

The crew makes observations about the traits of plants and animals in different environments, analyzes data from the terrarium videos, and interprets the impact of changes in the ecosystem on the octopus population.

Crosscutting Concepts

Cause and Effect

The crew identifies the cause-and-effect relationship between environmental factors and trait changes in plants and animals, as well as the impact of the algae bloom on the octopus population.

Energy and Matter

The crew discusses the relationship between the energy available in the environment and how it affects the size and behavior of organisms.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

LS4.B: Natural Selection

The crew observes how changes in environmental conditions lead to natural selection, resulting in changes in traits in plants and animals.

ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems

The crew addresses the impact of human activities, such as dumping food waste into the ocean, causing an algae bloom and affecting the ecosystem.

ETS1.A: Defining and Delimiting Engineering Problems

The crew identifies the problem in the octopus population decline and develops potential solutions to restore the aquatic ecosystem.

Resources
Targeted Standards
Timeline
Skills in Action