Summer SAVY, Session 3 Day 5, Animal Adaptations (Marshall) (1st – 2nd)
Dear SAVY Families,
Happy Friday! I am so sad that today is our last day of SAVY Session 3: Animal Adaptations, but I am so grateful that I spent the time learning with and from your scientists this week. These scientists worked hard and showed me their best behavior all week. I could not have asked for more from a SAVY Class!
Today, we started the day observing our mealworms one last time. Once again, students noted changes from when we observed the mealworms just yesterday! We then debriefed the whole mealworm experience and connected our generalizations of change to our experiments and observations of the mealworms. Scientists took the mealworms home today, so I hope they continue observing changes in their life cycle.
The rest of the day was focused on our Create a Critter project! We started by reviewing expectations for our critter and the visual display that goes with our critter. Students had to ensure their critter had at least four specific adaptations to survive and thrive in its habitat. This was a challenge for some scientists, but I was impressed with their creativity and perseverance in creating their critter!
Scientists used various art supplies to create their critters. Watching the ideas come to life in the form of a 3D model was one of the most rewarding parts of this week for me and the scientists alike! I know the scientists will be excited to share their model and poster display for their created critter at home. To end the day, scientists presented their posters and created critters to the class and other members of the SAVY admin team. Some scientists were nervous to present their work at first, but all of them rose to the challenge to display their work. I am so proud of the scientists for executing another essential skill of a scientist: sharing and presenting their ideas.
The Nashville Zoo came to visit this afternoon! They brought three animals: an Egyptian tortoise, a tenrec, and a leopard gecko, each of which had unique adaptations. The scientists were so excited to point these adaptations out. This was definitely a highlight of the week. We ended the day with a class debrief to connect all we have learned about change and animal adaptations together!
Discussion Questions:
- How will you continue to observe your mealworm?
- What was the most challenging part of the Create a Critter project?
- Did you enjoy presenting your work? How did that feel?
Thank you for sharing your scientists with me this summer! It was an honor to work with them and truly the highlight of my summer so far! I wish them all the best of luck and know they will excel in the upcoming school year.
Sincerely,
Ms. Marshall