Task: Describe on a chart how a duck's features help it to survive, then infer what might happen if these features were changed in some way. Assessment focus: how adaptations aid survival.
Students are provided with a picture of a New Zealand native bird. Students select a word from a given list to name each of these bird parts. Students are then required to explain why the bird needs each of these named parts.
Task: Use understandings about heat energy and insulation to describe how adaptations help Emperor penguins survive in Antarctica. Assessment focus: adaptations for keeping warm in cold conditions.
Task: Select the correct reason why a bird on a power line does not get electrocuted and select pictures of danger of electrocution, justifying choice. Assessment focus: understanding of the route taken by electricity/electrocution.
Task: Students give oral explanations about how the features of a weta or a mallard duck help it survive in its environment. Peer assessment sheets are included. Assessment focus: structure and function.
Task: Make observations from a photograph, identify potential environmental problems giving reasons, decide which problem is the most important, and give reasons for the choice. Assessment
focus: (1) observation, and (2) identifying and prioritising cause and effect relationships.
Task: Identify adaptations of 3 animals that live under the soil, and design an animal that could live underground. Self-assess the design by considering given criteria. Assessment focus: adaptations that enable an animal to live underground.