Extreme Habitats

Fossils reveal a lot about why animals were able to survive in their surroundings. Habitat, climate, food, shelter, and available resources all contribute to the success of a species.

Let students explore both carnivores and herbivores and what their fossils tell us about how they lived. They could consider how some species developed to survive into the modern era. For example, have students build a flying or climbing dinosaur who nests in the treetops to protect their eggs or a crocodile to show how it uses its body, tail, and jaw in combination with its water habitat.

Alternatively, students could look at extreme habitats or even fictional habitats, as long as they are able to make the link between the habitat and their creature.

Students create both a creature and the habitat they live in, showing how the creature has adapted to its surroundings.

Let students explore the Design Library so they can choose a model for inspiration. Then allow them to experiment and create their own solutions, modifying any basic model as they see fit.

Suggested Design Library models include:
• Crank
• Flex
• Reel

Students should present their models, explaining the representation of the effect the habitat has on the creature. They could use research and portfolio documentation to support their explorations and ideas.

Assessment
Ensure that students explain the adaptations and unique characteristics the creature needs to develop and survive.