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Grade 2
LIVING THINGS
Features of Creatures Animal Characteristics
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GRADE 2 • TOPIC OVERVIEW • TEACHER CARD
Features of Creatures Essential Question: How do animals survive in nature?
LIVING THINGS Features of Creatures Animal Characteristics
Topic Knowledge Children will build knowledge about the following:
• the unique features of animals • how animals protect themselves • how animals find food and shelter
• how animals stay cool • how animals stay warm • how animals move
For Your Reference i
Adaptations: Animals have developed traits and behaviors that help them survive. These adaptations help them find food, water, safety, and mates. For example, a polar bear’s thick fur and layer of fat under its skin are physical adaptations. These physical features help polar bears stay warm in the Arctic. Polar bears have also developed a behavioral adaptation called “still-hunting” to help them catch seals. When still-hunting, polar bears wait quietly, and when a seal surfaces to breathe, a polar bear strikes quickly. Camouflage and Mimicry: Many animals blend into their surroundings to avoid predators. For example, stick insects have bodies shaped like twigs, making them hard to spot on a branch. Stick insects can also move side to side to mimic twigs swaying in the wind. Migration:
Topic Launch Media Share the video “Amazing Animal Defenses.” Discuss the following questions: • What are some ways animals keep themselves safe? • How can animals use their features to hide? • What can animals do to scare off predators? • What did you wonder about while watching the video?
Essential Question Introduce the topic question that your class will discuss as you explore the topic: How do animals survive in nature?
Topic Writing
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TOPIC OVERVIEW • TEACHER CARD
KL_TC_G2_Sci_FeaturesCreatures.indd 1
8/14/24 9:56 AM
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