Essential Question for Enduring Understanding

How can external characteristics be used to classify organisms?

Observing Plants and Animals 

3. Explain that all living things can be compared based on similarities and differences (i.e., external features).

5. Explain that habitats provide the basic needs (i.e., food, water, shelter, energy) for the organisms living in them.

Library Media Indicators

• In response to a teacher request to do so, students will be able to apply critical thinking skills(analysis, synthesis, evaluation, organization) to information and knowledge as they continue an inquiry based research process.
• In response to a teacher request to do so, students will be able to draw conclusions from information and transfer knowledge to curricular areas, real world situations, and further investigations.

Maryland State Curriculum for Grade 1: Science
(MSDE)

Standard 3.0 Life Science

Indictator 1. Compare and explain how external features of plants and animals help them survive in different environments

Objective 4.Classify organisms according to one selected feature, such as body covering, and identify other similarities shared by organisms within each group formed.

1.0 – Technology Systems: Develop foundations in the understanding and uses of technology systems.
2.0 – Digital Citizenship: Practice ethical, legal, and responsible use of technology.
3.0 – Technology for Learning and Collaboration: Use a variety of technologies for learning and collaboration.
4.0 – Technology for Communication and Expression: Use technology to communicate information and express ideas using various media formats..
6.0 – Technology for Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Demonstrate ability to use technology and develop strategies to solve problems and make informed decisions.

College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Reading

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas:
7. Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse formats and media, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.

Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity
10. Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Writing

Production and Distribution of Writing:
4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
5. Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
6. Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
Research to Build and Present Knowledge:
7. Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
8. Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism.

Range of Writing:
10. Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.

National Educational Technology Standards for Students
(ISTE)

1. Creativity and Innovation: Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.
2. Communication and Collaboration: Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.
3. Research and Information Fluency: Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.
4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making: Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.
5. Digital Citizenship: Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.

Standards for the 21st-Century Learner
(AASL)

Find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to answer questions. (1.1.5)

Read, view, and listen for information presented in any format. (1.1.6)

Use strategies to draw conclusions from information and apply knowledge to curricular areas, real-world situations, and further investigations. ( 2.1.3)