Features of mallard ducks and wētā

Instructions:
You will work with a partner. 
  1. One person takes the picture of the duck, the other the wētā.
  2. Explain to your partner how all the labelled parts of your animal help it to survive in the wild. 
  3. Next, ask your partner to explain how all the labelled parts of the other animal help it to survive in the wild.
  4. Mark each other's work using the answer guide.
 
 
 
 
Peer assessment sheet
 
Student assessment marking sheet for the Mallard duck  
 
Name of student: ____________________  Date: __________
 
Assessment done by: ____________________
 
My partner clearly explained how each labelled part helps the duck survive. (Tick Yes, No, or Partly).
 
 
Yes
No
Partly
Eye
Bill
Feathers
Webbed feet
Tail feathers
Wing
 
Notes:
 
 
 
 
Answers for mallard duck
  • Eye: On the side of the head so it can see predators.
  • Bill: The right shape for scooping up water and straining out its food
  • Feathers: Keep the duck warm, or used for flight, or provide camouflage.
  • Webbed feet: Help move the bird through the water.
  • Tail feathers: Used in flight for steering or keeping balance.
  • Wing: Used for flying to different places for food, or to escape its enemies.  
 
 
Peer assessment sheet
Student assessment marking sheet for the wētā  
 
Name of student: _______________________  Date: __________
 
Assessment done by: ____________________
 
My partner clearly explained how each labelled part helps the wētā survive. (Tick Yes, No, or Partly).
 
Yes
No
Partly
Antennae
Armour-like body
Large back legs
Hook-like structures
Mouth parts
Notes:
 
 
 
 
Answers for wētā
  • Antennae: Used for feeling its way in the dark (it is nocturnal)
  • Armour-like body: Used for protection against predators, or it helps prevent crushing.
  • Large back legs: Used for jumping to escape predators.  Some wētā will raise their back legs to frighten off predators.
  • Hook-like structures: These are used for gripping or climbing.
  • Mouth parts: Strong jaws for biting or crushing hard food.  Sometimes some wētā will bite as a means of defence.