Students will launch the animal habitat project by examining habitat clues, discussing how a habitat helps an animal survive, and preparing to explain the diorama and report plan to their families using the take-home note.

Students will examine habitat clues, choose a focused animal-survival question, form an evidence-based hypothesis, and create a teacher-approved plan for gathering information for their diorama and Animal Adaptation report. They will test the clarity of their thinking through peer feedback, revise their plans, and practice explaining how their investigation will show the connection between an animal and the place it lives.

Students will analyze their research notes to make evidence-based claims about how a habitat meets an animal’s needs, turn those conclusions into clear labels and report revisions, and rehearse a short museum explanation with peer feedback before the final showcase.

Students will present their completed shoebox dioramas and animal adaptation reports during a Critter Museum Walk, explain how habitat and adaptation work together, respond to audience questions, and use a brief partner reflection to name one idea they explained clearly and one detail they would strengthen next time.