Animal and Plant Defenses with Spruce the Sea Turtle

Mrs. Chandler introduces the first science unit of the year, focusing on animal and plant defenses. The lesson begins with an introduction to Spruce, a sea turtle, and the role of scientists. Students are encouraged to think about aquariums and the questions scientists ask to learn about the world. The unit's big question is how animals and plants survive, with a focus on Spruce's journey from the aquarium to the ocean. Students are prompted to consider what Spruce needs to do to survive in the ocean, helping them understand the broader concept of survival in nature.

What is the main focus of the first science unit of the year?

• Animal and plant defenses

• Weather patterns

• Space exploration

• Human anatomy

What is an aquarium?

• A place to see and learn about land animals

• A place to see and learn about water plants and animals

• A place to study the stars

• A place to learn about human history

What do scientists do to learn about the world?

• They ask questions and observe

• They memorize facts

• They build machines

• They travel to space

What is the role of a scientist?

• To write stories

• To build machines

• To paint pictures

• To investigate the natural world

Who is Spruce?

• A famous scientist

• A sea turtle living at the aquarium

• A type of fish

• A type of plant

What is one characteristic of Spruce the sea turtle?

• She is a mammal

• She lives in the desert

• She can fly

• She has a shell

What is the main concern of kids visiting the aquarium about Spruce?

• That she might not survive in the ocean

• That she will become a land animal

• That she will become a pet

• That she will never leave the aquarium

What is the chapter question regarding Spruce?

• How does Spruce survive in the ocean?

• How does Spruce sleep?

• How does Spruce find food?

• How does Spruce communicate?

What is the big question of the unit?

• How do animals communicate?

• Where do plants grow?

• What do animals eat?

• How do animals and plants survive?

What will help answer the big question about survival?

• Focusing on Spruce's survival

• Exploring outer space

• Studying the weather

• Learning about human history