Task 1: Design a Predator
What exactly is a predator and how are they good at what they do? For Task 1, you will take the following steps:
- watch a video on predators and answer questions
- research predators and answer questions
- create your own imaginary predator with great adaptations that make it good at hunting
What is a predator?
On your computer go to Dialogue For Kids and click on the movie entitled Predators.idahoptv.org/sciencetrek/topics/predators/facts.cfm
Take notes while you watch and be sure to answer the following questions in your science notebook. Be sure to answer in complete sentences:
Using your notes from the video and the following Dialogue For Kids Facts: Predators pages, answer the following questions:
Take notes while you watch and be sure to answer the following questions in your science notebook. Be sure to answer in complete sentences:
- What is a predator?
- What is a prey?
- Why is it hard for predators to catch prey?
- Are predators and prey really enemies? Explain.
Using your notes from the video and the following Dialogue For Kids Facts: Predators pages, answer the following questions:
- Can prey also be predators? Explain.
- Explain different methods or strategies that predators use to hunt. Include information on chasing, ambush, teamwork and stalking.
- What "tools" or physical adaptations (body parts) do predators have that make them particularly good at hunting prey? Be sure to include information on at least 5 body parts or senses in your explanation (click on the Learn more... link in the "Tools of the Predator and Prey" information box).
Design a Predator (Imagine your own, creative predator)
- Brainstorm features or characteristics that you can add to an imaginary predator to create an ultimate predator.
- Draw your predator and add special body parts that make it a great hunter. You can use any materials you can think of that can be easily found in the classroom. For example, you can paste toothpicks on your predator as fangs or claws. Use your imagination and glue!
- Use the following rubric to help you understand what is expected: Design a Predator Rubric
- Once you have finished creating your predator, be sure to write about it and describe the following:
- Name your imaginary predator
- Where does it live?
- What does it hunt?
- Describe the physical adaptations you have given to your predator that allow it to successfully capture its prey.
- Describe any behavioral adaptations you have given your predator that allow it to successfully capture its prey.
- Describe how your imaginary predator hunts in detail.