Science

Design a Desert Animal Challenge

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Overview:

A design challenge where students create an animal adapted to survive in a desert biome. Designed for middle and upper years students, this activity engages students with biological concepts related to adaptation and survival.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the unique characteristics of the desert ecosystem and the adaptations of animals that thrive there.
  • Apply knowledge of desert conditions to design an animal suited for survival.
  • Develop skills in drawing, labelling, and explaining features that enhance survival in extreme environments.

How the Activity Works:

Students read information about the desert ecosystem, focusing on extreme temperatures, scarce water, and limited vegetation. They then design an animal that could thrive in such conditions, considering adaptations like water conservation, heat resistance, nocturnal behaviours, and food sources (such as plants or smaller animals). Students are encouraged to think about how their animal might protect itself from predators and how it would survive with little water. After designing their animal, they draw it and label its features, explaining how each one helps it survive in the desert. This activity encourages creativity while deepening understanding of environmental adaptations.

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