Learning Features of Creatures

I. General Information:
Grade Level: 1st
Discipline: Life Science
Unit Topic: Diversity of Life
Time Frame: 45-50 minutes
Text: Creatures Features by: Steve Jenkins
Other Materials:
Venn diagram
(http://hti.osu.edu/sites/hti.osu.edu/files/venn_diagram_0.pdf)
lined paper
pencils
Smartboard with animal noises. Retrieved from:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SF6McpBnu5A

II. Essential Understanding/Questions:

What external features do animals have that help them live?
Can you compare and contrast different animals features?

III. Standards/Indicators

Grade 1 - Life Science - Diversity

Topic A. Diversity of Life
Indicator
- 1. Compare and explain how external features of plants and animals help them survive
different environments.
Objective
2. Compare similar features in some animals and plants and explain how each of these
enables the organism to satisfy basic needs.

RI2: Identify the main topic and retell key details of a text. (SC,1)
-Describe people, places, things, and events with relevant details, expressing ideas and
feelings clearly. (CCSS 1 SL4)

W2: Write informative/explanatory texts in which they name a topic, supply some
facts about the topic, and provide some sense of closure.
-Produce complete simple and compound sentences. (CCSS 2 L1.f)

IV. Lesson Objectives

Using the text as a guide, students will compare and contrast features of 2 animals from
the story.
Once students complete the venn diagram, they will write a short story (2-3 sentences)
about the two animals they compared.
V. Evaluation/Assessment:
Assessment of Objectives
Informal assesment how well students are able to find similarities and
differences with venn diagram (whole group).
Formal assessment completion of venn diagram (individual)
Formal assessment completion of writing piece
VI. Procedures:
Introduction
To introduce the lesson, the teacher will have animal noises playing on the
computer as students walk to the carpet. The teacher will also have numerous stuffed
animals relating to the book sitting near the carpet for students to interact and examine.
Teaching/Activities
1. Ask the students what they think theyll be learning about today. Let them
make predictions and come up with possible ideas.
2. Show them the book Creatures Features and ask what kind of animal is on the
cover. Explain to them that for the past week, they have been learning all
about different animals and how they each have unique features to help them
survive in the wild. Conduct a book-walk with them so they can see the
animals theyll be discussing.
3. Read the book to the students, pausing occasionally on pages with unique
animals to ask such questions as:
Why does (name animal) have a (name feature) that another animal
(name animal) doesnt?
The (name animal) has (name feature), how do you think it helps the
animal to survive?
Give students an opportunity to look over the text and talk with one another as
to why they think the animals look they way they do. Towards the end of the
book, ask the students, Why do you think Steve Jenkins included these
animals in this book? What features do they all have in common? Do they
have any differences? How did the author introduce each animal? Did you
notice any similarties with it? Why do you think the author wrote the book in
this manner? Be sure to discuss each of these question.
4. Once the book is finished, complete a sample Venn diagram with the students
as a whole group. Go over the similarities and differences each animal has.
Have the students return to their desks and pass out the venn diagram sheets.
5. Students will complete their venn diagrams on two animals they can choose.
They should be able to write down 2-3 similarities and differences.
6. Explain to the students that they will be writing what they found from
completing their venn diagram into a small paragraph. The first sentence
should explain which two animals they chose. The second and third sentence
should explain the similarities and differences they found. Finally, the closing
sentence should explain what they learned from doing this activity.
Closure
 To close this lesson, the teacher will collect the venn diagram for completion.
Each student will have the chance to share which animals they compared and share 1
difference or similarity between the two.

References:

Burkhart, L. (n.d.). Venn diagram retrieved from

http://hti.osu.edu/sites/hti.osu.edu/files/venn_diagram_0.pdf)

Jenkins, S. & Page, R. (2014). Creatures Features. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt.

Nursery Rhyme Facts (2014, July 16). Animal Sounds for Toddlers / Kids / Children -
Baby Einstein [video clip]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SF6McpBnu5A