Georgia Performance Standards (GPS – 3rd grade)
S3L1. Students will investigate habitats of different organisms and the dependence of organisms on their habitat. (a) Differentiate between habitats of Georgia (mountains, marsh/swamp, coast, Piedmont, Atlantic Ocean) and the organisms that live there. (c) Identify features of animals that allow them to live and thrive in different regions of Georgia. (d) Explain what will happen to an organism if the habitat is changed.
S5L1. Students will classify organisms into groups. (a) Demonstrate how animals are sorted into groups (vertebrate / invertebrate) and vertebrates are sorted into groups (fish, amphibian, reptile, bird, and mammal).
S4CS3 Students will use tools and instruments for observing, measuring, and manipulating objects in scientific activities. (c) Use computers, cameras and recording devices for capturing information.
National Science Education Standards (5-8) Diversity and Adaptations of Organisms(paraphrased). Millions of species of animals are alive today because of biological adaptation. Extinction occurs when the environment changes and the adaptive characteristics of a species are insufficient for its survival.