BEETLES Structures and Behaviors

BEETLES Structures and Behaviors

Observing an organism can be a rewarding learning experience that helps students develop a meaningful relationship with the natural world. Students often engage more deeply in observing an organism if they’re given some sort of task to focus their observations. In this activity, pairs of students find an organism, then observe and record its structures and behaviors. Students apply the lens of adaptations as they come up with explanations for how their organisms’ structures and behaviors might help it survive in its habitat. In a group discussion, students consider the relationship between organisms’ structures and possible functions, which is a useful science thinking tool that can help them to better understand the natural world. This activity helps students develop a definition of adaptation that includes both behavioral and structural adaptations (adaptations are inheritable structures or behaviors that help a population of organisms survive in their habitat), and gives students the experience applying that definition to an organism in the local ecosystem.

Check-in begins at 8:30 and the program begins at 9:00. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be provided.

Register early to save your spot!

Directions to Mississippi Gateway Regional Park

10360 West River Road

Brooklyn Park, MN 55444

TRAINING PARTNERS: Three Rivers Park District - Mississippi Gateway Regional Park

MNA Professional Development workshops are offered at least three times a year. They are provided as a benefit of membership. Members attend for free and are given priority registration. Non-members can register after a designated waiting period and pay a $10 non-refundable fee. For workshops where space is limited, registration may be limited to members only.