Middle School Lesson - Determining adaptations and features of success for the Eastern Gray Squirrel and color morphs

Determining adaptations and features of success for the Eastern Gray Squirrel

Lesson description: This lesson can be used to begin a unit on evolution. Students will circle the room in teams to look over squirrel artifacts - with a focus on identifying traits and behaviors that help squirrels either survive or reproduce.

Grade Level: middle school (grades 6-8)

NYS Standards: MS-LS4-4, MS-LS1-5

21st century skills: collaboration, creativity, communication, critical thinking & problem solving, information literacy

Created by: Megan Newhouse & Jason Mauro

Lesson objectives: The students will be able to…

  • list factors that will increase the probability of squirrel survival and reproduction

  • explain the impact of biotic and abiotic features on the reproduction and survival of the Eastern gray squirrel

key vocabulary: adaptations, variation, natural selection, claim, evidence, reasoning, evolution, population dynamics

Kika Tuff