The Creature from the Adapting Lagoon

Purpose: To design an animal with adaptations to a specific environment

Materials

• pencil colored pencils or markers
• construction or drawing paper
• science journal

Procedure

1. Read over the criteria and background information written below.
2. Brainstorm possible creature designs that would meet the criteria listed. Check off the criteria that can be incorporated into the design.
3. Select the design the best meets the criteria.
4. Illustrate your creature in the science journal and describe each appendage and how it is used.

Criteria

• Animal lives in water.
• It can move quickly away from its predators.
• It tests its food before eating it.
• It can break apart hard bits of food.
• It loves to eat shelled animals.
• It has appendages to hold its young.
• It can defend itself easily against predators.
• It can create water currents to bring food to its mouth.
• It has a very large body.
• It can walk on the seafloor for kilometers without stopping.
• It breathes air.

Background
Appendages are adaptations designed to help an animal perform various specialized tasks. They help an animal live successfully in its environment. For example, your legs and feet are appendages that help you move around in your environment.

Extension
If you were going on a mission to Mars, you would need to be able to adapt to an environment that is very different from Earth. Research the planet Mars and determine what adaptations humans would need to work and live there. Make a list explaining each adaptation and illustrate them in your science journal.