Last updated: January 12, 2023
Lesson Plan
How to Read a Skull Like an Open Book - Grades 4 and 5
Download Lesson Plan
305KB
- Grade Level:
- Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
- Subject:
- Science
- Lesson Duration:
- 60 Minutes
Essential Question
How do we determine an animal's role in the food web by examining features in the skull?
Objective
After completing this program, students will be able to:
1. Name at least three different animals living in Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
2. Identify incisor, canine, and molar teeth in a skull.
3. Describe the purpose of incisor, canine, and molar teeth.
4. Determine if an animal is predator or prey from orbit (eye socket) size, eye placement, and teeth.
5. Find the auditory bullae (ear holes) on a skull.
6. Determine if an animal eats plants, meat, or both from teeth and jaw movement.
Background
Every skull has a story to tell. Have you ever watched a crime scene investigation show? Scientists rely on clues to solve mysteries. Like scientific investigators, we will look at clues that skulls give us — about how an animal might see, hear, or smell — in order to piece together the mystery of the skull. We will look at several skulls and learn to identify the types of animals they belong to.
Preparation
Prior to your scheduled meeting with the ranger, download the pre-visit activity and share with your students. Review the ranger lesson plan for themes to discuss with your class before the visit but do not teach the lesson. All lesson plans are available on the website. After the visit, download and review post-visit activities with your class. Provide feedback to the rangers about what your class enjoyed and how we can improve.
Materials
Download 4th Grade Word Search Activity
Download 4th Grade Vocabulary Worksheet
Download 4th Grade Math Worksheet
Download 5th Grade Pre-Visit Activity
Procedure
Incorporate Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks into your lesson plan.
- Browse the site for the appropriate program/field trip for your classroom.
- Follow the instructions to choose a program and make a formal request.
- Confirm with park ranger times/dates. We will contact you after receiving the request.
- Prepare for your classroom visit or field trip by downloading pre-visit activities.