How Do Living Things Stay Safe and Grow?
How Do Living Things Stay Safe and Grow? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a new curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is designed to address a bundle of grade 1 life science and engineering standards. In this module, students:
- Record and use observations of adult plants and animals as evidence that offspring are very similar to, but not exactly like, their parents.
- Obtain information from text, images, video, and a simulation to determine how patterns of behavior help offspring survive.
- Explore how external parts of plants and animals help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.
- Mimic external parts of plants and animals in designing a solution to a human problem.
- Apply their skills and knowledge using data as evidence to construct an argument and participate in argumentation with peers.
- Apply their knowledge and skills of animal behaviors and plant and animal external parts to design solutions to real-world human problems.
Below are digital resources that support teaching of this module.
Family Letter
Before starting How Do Animals Stay Safe and Grow? share the Family Letter with students’ caregivers. Indicate how they should submit responses to the letter.
Download the Family Letter PDF
Ada Asks Introduction (1:29)
Ada introduces students to the phenomenon driving Lessons 1–3. Closed captioning is available in the YouTube version by clicking the “CC” icon.
Watch on YouTube
or Download the Ada Asks Introduction Video
Download the Accessible Version of the Ada Asks Introduction Video
Download the Ada Asks Introduction Video Transcript
Two Penguins
This file shows the introductory phenomenon of two types of penguins that look alike but different.
Download the Two Penguins PDF
Bald Eagle
These photos show bald eagles at different life cycle stages.
Download the Bald Eagle PDF
Odd Bird Out
This file shows three penguins, Gentoo, King, and Macaroni.
Download the Odd Bird Out PDF
Ada Asks Plant Babies (01:01 )
Ada asks students to help her learn how to recognize young plants based on the characteristics of adults. Closed captioning is available in the YouTube version by clicking the “CC” icon.
Watch on YouTube
or Download the Ada Asks Plant Babies Video
Download the Accessible Version of the Ada Asks Plant Babies Video
Download the Ada Asks Plant Babies Video Transcript
Penguin Behavior (0:10)
This video shows a young chinstrap penguin chasing an adult.
Download the Penguin Behavior Video
Discussion Rules
This file has simplified rules for engaging in argument from evidence.
Download the Discussion Rules PDF
Penguin Protection
The Penguin Protection simulation can be viewed with a Web browser on a computer or can be downloaded as an application for use on tablets or mobile devices.
https://ssec.si.edu/penguin-protection
Penguin Behavior Part Two (0:10)
In this extended version the video from Lesson 5 continues to show the adult penguin feeding its chick.
Download the Penguin Behavior Part Two Video
Albatross Nesting (0:14)
This file shows the steep cliff along which the Black-browed Albatross nest in the Malvinas/Falkland Islands.
Download the Albatross Nesting Video
Albatross Nesting Site Fact Sheet
This file contains information and resources about the nesting sites of Black-browed Albatross.
Download the Albatross Nesting Site Fact Sheet PDF
Ada Asks Science Challenge (01:55)
Ada introduces students to the module science challenge. Closed captioning is available in the YouTube version by clicking the “CC” icon.
Watch on YouTube
or Download the Ada Asks Science Challenge Video
Download the Accessible Version of the Ada Asks Science Challenge Video
Download the Ada Asks Science Challenge Video Transcript
Lost Penguins
This file shows the two lost penguins shown in the Ada Asks Science Challenge video.
Download the Lost Penguins PDF
King Penguin (0:13)
This file shows the steep cliff along which the Black-browed Albatross nest in the Malvinas/Falkland Islands.
Download the King Penguin Video
Download the Accessible Version of the King Penguin Video
Download the King Penguin Video Transcript
Gentoo Penguin (0:22)
This video shows the gentoo penguin colony.
Download the Gentoo Penguin Video
Rockhopper Penguin (0:18)
This video shows rockhopper penguins jumping onto rocks.
Download the Rockhopper Penguin Video
Survival Game Rules
This file contains simple rules to guide students in playing the Survival Game.
Download the Survival Game Rules PDF
