Cheetahs

Ages 5–10 · 14 minutes · Science

Spot on! Prowl on over to learn all about cheetahs.

Cheetahs are the fastest animals on the planet. These incredible hunters are more than just cute spots. Students will learn about the cheetah’s habitat and adaptations in this enriching animal lesson.

Part of

All About Animals

Standards alignment

Common Core State Standards

All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow.
K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
All animals need food in order to live and grow. They obtain their food from plants or from other animals. Plants need water and light to live and grow.
K-LS1-1 — Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
2-LS4-1 — Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.

Alabama

SC23.1.5 — Use information from observations to explain how various external features help living things survive, grow, and meet their needs.
SC23.2.7 — Obtain information to explain that there are many different kinds of living things that exist in habitats on land and in water.
SC23.3.9 — Construct an explanation from evidence of how variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.
ELA21.K.20 — Name and sort pictures of objects into categories based on common attributes while relating vocabulary to prior knowledge and building background knowledge.

Alaska

All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow.
K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
All animals need food in order to live and grow. They obtain their food from plants or from other animals. Plants need water and light to live and grow.
K-LS1-1 — Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
RI.K.9 — With prompting and support, identify basic similarities in and differences between information presented in two texts on the same topic (e.g., compare two photos or diagrams, compare two animal babies).

Arizona

1.L4U1.10 — Develop a model to describe how animals and plants are classified into groups and subgroups according to their similarities.
K.L1U1.6 — Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how organisms use different body parts for survival.
Identify questions and make predictions based on prior experiences.
K.L1U1.7 — Observe, ask questions and explain how specialized structures found on a variety of plants and animals (including humans) help them sense and respond to their environment.
1.L2U1.8 — Construct an explanation describing how organisms obtain resources from the environment including materials that are used again by other organisms.

Arkansas

All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow.
Animals have body parts that capture and convey different kinds of information needed for growth and survival. Animals respond to these inputs with behaviors that help them survive. Plants also respond to some external inputs.
K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live.
K-LS1-1 — Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.

California

All animals need food in order to live and grow. They obtain their food from plants or from other animals. Plants need water and light to live and grow.
All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow.
Patterns in the natural and human designed world can be observed, used to describe phenomena, and used as evidence.
2-LS4-1 — Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.
K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.

Colorado

LS1.A — Structure and Function: All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place and seek, find and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive, grow and produce more plants.
LS1.D — Information Processing: Animals have body parts that capture and convey different kinds of information needed for growth and survival - for example, eyes for light, ears for sounds, and skin for temperature or touch. Animals respond to these inputs with behaviors that help them survive (e.g., find food, run from a predator). Plants also respond to some external inputs (e.g., turn leaves toward the sun).
LS2.A — Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: Animals depend on their surroundings to get what they need, including food, water, shelter and a favorable temperature. Animals depend on plants or other animals for food. They use their senses to find food and water, and they use their body parts to gather, catch, eat and chew the food. Plants depend on air, water, minerals (in the soil) and light to grow. Animals can move around, but plants cannot, and they often depend on animals for pollination or to move their seeds around. Different plants survive better in different settings because they have varied needs for water, minerals and sunlight.
SC.2.2.2.a — Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.
SC.3.2.4.b — Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.

Connecticut

All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow.
There are many different kinds of living things in any area, and they exist in different places on land and in water.
3-LS4-2 — Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.
K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
Similarities and differences in patterns can be used to sort, classify, communicate and analyze simple rates of change for natural phenomena and designed products.

Delaware

All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow.
K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
Animals have body parts that capture and convey different kinds of information needed for growth and survival. Animals respond to these inputs with behaviors that help them survive. Plants also respond to some external inputs.
3-LS4-2 — Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.
K-LS1-1 — Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.

Florida

SC.2.L.17.2 — Recognize and explain that living things are found all over Earth, but each is only able to live in habitats that meet its basic needs.
SC.3.L.15.1 — Classify animals into major groups (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, arthropods, vertebrates and invertebrates, those having live births and those which lay eggs) according to their physical characteristics and behaviors.
SC.5.L.17.1 — Compare and contrast adaptations displayed by animals and plants that enable them to survive in different environments such as life cycles variations, animal behaviors and physical characteristics.
SC.K.L.14.3 — Observe plants and animals, describe how they are alike and how they are different in the way they look and in the things they do.

Georgia

SKL2.a — Construct an argument supported by evidence for how animals can be grouped according to their features.
S5L1.a — Develop a model that illustrates how animals are sorted into groups (vertebrate and invertebrate) and how vertebrates are sorted into groups (fish, amphibian, reptile, bird, and mammal) using data from multiple sources.
S3L1.c — Use evidence to construct an explanation of why some organisms can thrive in one habitat and not in another.

Hawaii

All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow.
All animals need food in order to live and grow. They obtain their food from plants or from other animals. Plants need water and light to live and grow.
Animals have body parts that capture and convey different kinds of information needed for growth and survival. Animals respond to these inputs with behaviors that help them survive. Plants also respond to some external inputs.
K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
There are many different kinds of living things in any area, and they exist in different places on land and in water.

Idaho

All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see; hear; grasp objects; protect themselves; move from place to place; and seek, find, and take in food, water, and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow. (1-LS-1.1)
All animals need food in order to live and grow. They obtain their food from plants or from other animals. Plants need water and light to live and grow. (K-LS-1.1)
There are many different kinds of living things in any area, and they exist in different places on land and in water. (2-LS-2.1)
Populations of animals are classified by their characteristics. (5-LS-2.2)
Plants and animals have both internal and external structures that serve various functions in growth, survival, behavior, and reproduction. (4-LS-1.1)

Illinois

K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
LS1.A-P1 — All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow.
LS1.C-P1 — All animals need food in order to live and grow. They obtain their food from plants or from other animals. Plants need water and light to live and grow.
LS1.D-P1 — Animals have body parts that capture and convey different kinds of information needed for growth and survival. Animals respond to these inputs with behaviors that help them survive. Plants also respond to some external inputs.
LS4.D-P1 — There are many different kinds of living things in any area, and they exist in different places on land and in water.

Indiana

2.LS.3 — Classify living organisms according to variations in specific physical features (i.e., body coverings, appendages) and describe how those features may provide an advantage for survival in different environments.
1.LS.3 — Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.
2.LS.1 — Determine patterns and behavior (adaptations) of parents and offspring which help offspring to survive.
K.LS.2 — Describe and compare the physical features of common living plants and animals.

Iowa

All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow.
All animals need food in order to live and grow. They obtain their food from plants or from other animals. Plants need water and light to live and grow.
3-LS4-2 — Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.
K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
K-LS1-1 — Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.

Kansas

K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
All animals need food in order to live and grow. They obtain their food from plants or from other animals. Plants need water and light to live and grow.
All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow.
Animals have body parts that capture and convey different kinds of information needed for growth and survival. Animals respond to these inputs with behaviors that help them survive. Plants also respond to some external inputs.
K-LS1-1 — Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.

Kentucky

All animals need food in order to live and grow. They obtain their food from plants or from other animals. Plants need water and light to live and grow.
Animals have body parts that capture and convey different kinds of information needed for growth and survival. Animals respond to these inputs with behaviors that help them survive. Plants also respond to some external inputs.
All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow.
K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
Patterns in the natural and human designed world can be observed, used to describe phenomena, and used as evidence.

Louisiana

3-LS4-2 — Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.
4-LS1-1 — Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
Relative scales allow objects and events to be compared and described (e.g., bigger and smaller; hotter and colder; faster and slower).

Maine

3-LS4-2 — Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.
K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
4-LS1-1 — Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
K-LS1-1 — Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
2-LS4-1 — Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.

Maryland

DCI.LS1.A.K-2.1 — All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow.
2-LS4-1 — Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.
DCI.LS1.C.K-2.1 — All animals need food in order to live and grow. They obtain their food from plants or from other animals. Plants need water and light to live and grow.
DCI.LS1.D.K-2.1 — Animals have body parts that capture and convey different kinds of information needed for growth and survival. Animals respond to these inputs with behaviors that help them survive. Plants also respond to some external inputs.
K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.

Massachusetts

1-LS1-1 — Use evidence to explain that (a) different animals use their body parts and senses in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water, and air, and (b) plants have roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits that are used to take in water, air, and other nutrients, and produce food for the plant.
1-LS1-2 — Obtain information to compare ways in which the behavior of different animal parents and their offspring help the offspring to survive.
2-LS4-1 — Use texts, media, or local environments to observe and compare (a) different kinds of living things in an area, and (b) differences in the kinds of living things living in different types of areas.
L.1.5.b — Define words by category and by one or more key attributes (e.g., a duck is a bird that swims; a tiger is a large cat with stripes).

Michigan

4-LS1-1 — Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live.
L.1.5.b — Define words by category and by one or more key attributes (e.g., a duck is a bird that swims; a tiger is a large cat with stripes).
1-LS3-1 — Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents.

Minnesota

3L.4.1.1.1 — Construct an argument about strategies animals use to survive. (P: 7, CC: 2, CI: LS2)
3L.4.2.1.1 — Obtain information from various types of media to support an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction. (P: 8, CC: 4, CI: LS1)
0L.3.1.1.1 — Develop a simple model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live. (P: 2, CC: 4, CI: LS2)
1L.4.2.1.2 — Obtain information using various features of texts and other media to determine patterns in the behavior of parents and offspring that help offspring survive. (P: 8, CC: 1, CI: LS1)

Mississippi

L.2.1.2 — Classify vertebrates (mammals, fish, birds, amphibians, and reptiles) based on their physical characteristics.
L.2.3B.1 — Evaluate and communicate findings from informational text or other media to describe and to compare how animals interact with other animals and plants in the environment (i.e., predatorprey relationships, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore).
L.2.4.1 — Evaluate and communicate findings from informational text or other media to describe how plants and animals use adaptations to survive (e.g., ducks use webbed feet to swim in lakes and ponds, cacti have waxy coatings and spines to grow in the desert) in distinct environments (e.g., polar lands, saltwater and freshwater, desert, rainforest, woodlands).
L.3.4.3 — Analyze and interpret data to explain how variations in characteristics among organisms of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing (e.g., plants with larger thorns being less likely to be eaten by predators or animals with better camouflage colorations being more likely to survive and bear offspring).
L.K.1B.2 — Identify and describe examples of how animals use their sensory body parts (eyes to detect light and movement, ears to detect sound, skin to detect temperature and touch, tongue to taste, and nose to detect smell).

Missouri

There are many different kinds of living things in any area, and they exist in different places on land and in water.
All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow.
All animals need food in order to live and grow. They obtain their food from plants or from other animals. Plants need water and light to live and grow.
K.ESS3.A.1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live.
Compare models to identify common features and differences.

Montana

K-ESS3-1 — use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals, including humans, and the places they live;
1-LS1-2 — use information from print and other media to identify patterns in behavior of parents and offspring that help offspring survive; and
2-LS4-1 — make observations of plants and animals to compare and contrast the diversity of life in different habitats.
K-LS1-1 — use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals, including humans, need to survive.
L.1.5.b — Define words by category and by one or more key attributes (e.g., a duck is a bird that swims; a tiger is a large cat with stripes).

Nebraska

All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow.
There are many different kinds of living things in any area, and they exist in different places on land and in water.
All animals need food in order to live and grow. They obtain their food from plants or from other animals. Plants need water and light to live and grow.
SC.2.7.2.C — Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.

Nevada

All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow.
K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
K-LS1-1 — Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
L.1.5.b — Define words by category and by one or more key attributes (e.g., a duck is a bird that swims; a tiger is a large cat with stripes).
3-LS4-2 — Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.

New Hampshire

All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow.
3-LS4-2 — Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.
K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
K-LS1-1 — Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
Similarities and differences in patterns can be used to sort, classify, communicate and analyze simple rates of change for natural phenomena and designed products.

New Jersey

All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow.
All animals need food in order to live and grow. They obtain their food from plants or from other animals. Plants need water and light to live and grow.
K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
K-LS1-1 — Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
3-LS4-2 — Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.

New Mexico

All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow.
Animals have body parts that capture and convey different kinds of information needed for growth and survival. Animals respond to these inputs with behaviors that help them survive. Plants also respond to some external inputs.
There are many different kinds of living things in any area, and they exist in different places on land and in water.
All animals need food in order to live and grow. They obtain their food from plants or from other animals. Plants need water and light to live and grow.

New York

K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
Compare models to identify common features and differences.

North Carolina

LS.K.1.2 — Use models to exemplify how animals use their body parts to obtain food and other resources, protect themselves, and move from place to place.
LS.K.1.2 — Use models to exemplify how animals use their body parts to obtain food and other resources, protect themselves, and move from place to place.
LS.4.1 — Understand the effects of environmental changes, adaptations, and behaviors that enable organisms to survive in changing habitats.
LS.4.1.1 — Use models to explain that plants and animals have external structures that function to support survival.

North Dakota

K-ESS3-1 — Represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live using a model.
All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow.
1-LS1-1 — Construct an evidence-based argument with the use of a drawing or a model that illustrates how structures of plants or animals help them survive in their habitat.
K-LS1-1 — Describe patterns, through observation, of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.

Ohio

K.LS.2 — Living things have physical traits and behaviors, which influence their survival.
3.LS.2 — Individuals of the same kind of organism differ in their inherited traits. These differences give some individuals an advantage in surviving and/or reproducing.
K.LS.1 — Living things have specific characteristics and traits.
L.1.5.b — Define words by category and by one or more key attributes (e.g., a duck is a bird that swims; a tiger is a large cat with stripes).
L.K.5.a — Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.

Oklahoma

Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water, and air. (1.LS1.1)
Animals obtain their food from plants or from other animals. (K.LS1.1)
3.LS4.2 — Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving and reproducing.
K.ESS3.1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live.
PK.S.3 — Notice and describe similarities and differences among plants, animals, and objects. Clarification Statement: Similarities and differences might include grouping like plants, animals, or objects based on observations. Descriptions of groupings might be based on how plants, animals, or objects look, feel, or smell.

Oregon

3.LS4.2 — Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing. [Clarification Statement: Examples of cause and effect relationships could be plants that have larger thorns than other plants may be less likely to be eaten by predators; and, animals that have better camouflage coloration than other animals may be more likely to survive and therefore more likely to leave offspring.][assessment boundary: assessment does not include patterns of genetic inheritance.]
4.LS1.1 — Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction. [Clarification Statement: Examples of structures could include thorns, stems, roots, colored petals, heart, stomach, lung, brain, and skin. [Assessment Boundary: Assessment is limited to macroscopic structures within plant and animal systems.]
K.ESS3.1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live. [Clarification Statement: Examples of relationships could include that deer eat buds and leaves, therefore, they usually live in forested areas; and, grasses need sunlight so they often grow in meadows. Plants, animals, and their surroundings make up a system.][assessment boundary: modeling is limited to describing the relationship and does not include patterns of structure and function to show how needs are met. impact on the environment is beyond the standard.]
K.LS1.1 — Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive. [Clarification Statement: Examples of patterns could include that animals need to take in food but plants do not; the different kinds of food needed by different types of animals; the requirement of plants to have light; and, that all living things need water.][assessment boundary: assessment is limited to patterns of light, food, or water as sources of matter and energy needed for growth. the process of photosynthesis is beyond the standard at this grade level.]

Pennsylvania

All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow.
All animals need food in order to live and grow. They obtain their food from plants or from other animals. Plants need water and light to live and grow.
3.1.3.F — Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.
3.3.K.C — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live.

Rhode Island

All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow.
All animals need food in order to live and grow. They obtain their food from plants or from other animals. Plants need water and light to live and grow.
3-LS4-2 — Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.
K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.

South Carolina

1-LS1-1.DCI.A: — Structure and Function All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water, and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow. NRC Framework Link
3-LS4-3.DCI.C: — Adaptation Adaptation can lead to organisms that are better suited for their environment. For any particular environment, some kinds of organisms survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all. NRC Framework Link
K-ESS3-1. — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans)and the places they live. Clarification Statement: Examples of relationships could include that deer eat buds and leaves; therefore, they usually live in forested areas, humans use soil and water to grow food, and grasses need sunlight so they often grow in meadows. Plants, animals, and their surroundings make up a system. State Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include specific habitats or biomes.
K-LS1-1. — Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive. Clarification Statement: Examples of patterns could include that animals need to take in food, but plants make food; the different kinds of food needed by different types of animals; the requirement of plants to have light; and that all living things need water. Patterns could be described using multiple modes of representation.
1-LS1-2.DCI.B: — Growth and Development of Organisms Adult plants and animals can have young. In many kinds of animals, parents, and the offspring themselves engage in behaviors that help the offspring to survive. NRC Framework Link

South Dakota

What is the relationship between animals and what they eat, and how does that determine where they live?
Describing similarities and differences in different organisms of the same species and different species.
Making an argument about how the structure and function of plant and animal anatomy can support growth, behavior, and reproduction.
Explaining the impact that habitat, genetic inheritance, and ability to adapt can have on an organism’s chances of survival. Understanding that plants and animals might change as a result of changes in the environment.
K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live.

Tennessee

2.LS1.2 — Obtain and communicate information to classify animals (vertebrates-mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, invertebrates-insects) based on their physical characteristics.
3.LS4.2 — Infer that plant and animal adaptations help them survive in land and aquatic biomes.
2.LS1.1 — Use evidence and observations to explain that many animals use their body parts and senses in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water, and air.
3.LS2.1 — Construct an argument to explain why some animals benefit from forming groups.

Texas

1.10A — investigate how the external characteristics of an animal are related to where it lives, how it moves, and what it eats;
1.13A — identify the external structures of different animals and compare how those structures help different animals live, move, and meet basic needs for survival;
2.10A — observe, record, and compare how the physical characteristics and behaviors of animals help them meet their basic needs;
3.10A — explore how structures and functions of plants and animals allow them to survive in a particular environment; and
K.10A — sort plants and animals into groups based on physical characteristics such as color, size, body covering, or leaf shape;

Utah

2.2.1 — Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about patterns of living things (plants and animals, including humans) in different habitats. Emphasize the diversity of living things in land and water habitats. Examples of *patterns*in habitats could include descriptions of temperature or precipitation and the types of plants and animals found in land habitats. (LS2.C, LS4.C, LS4.D)
Students observe patterns to organize and classify factors that influence relationships
1.2.2 — Construct an explanation by observing patterns of external features of living things that survive in different locations. Emphasize how plants and nonhuman animals, found in specific surroundings, share similar physical characteristics. Examples could include that plants living in dry areas are more likely to have thick outer coatings that hold in water, animals living in cold locations have longer and thicker fur, or most desert animals are awake at night. (LS1.A, LS1.D)
2.2.2 — Plan and carry out an investigation of the structure and function of plant and animal parts in different habitats. Emphasize how different plants and animals have different structures to survive in their habitat. Examples could include the shallow roots of a cactus in the desert or the seasonal changes in the fur coat of a wolf. (LS1.A, LS4.A, LS4.D)
Students relate the shape and structure of an object or living thing to its properties and functions.

Vermont

All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow.
K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
All animals need food in order to live and grow. They obtain their food from plants or from other animals. Plants need water and light to live and grow.
Animals have body parts that capture and convey different kinds of information needed for growth and survival. Animals respond to these inputs with behaviors that help them survive. Plants also respond to some external inputs.
2-LS4-1 — Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.
L.1.5.b — Define words by category and by one or more key attributes (e.g., a duck is a bird that swims; a tiger is a large cat with stripes).

Virginia

1.1.a.i — Ask questions and make predictions based on observations.
1.5.b — Animals have different physical characteristics that perform specific functions.
1.5.c — Animals can be classified based on a variety of characteristics.
1.5.a — Animals need air, food, water, shelter, and space (habitat).
3.4.b — Adaptations may be behavioral or physical.
K.1.a.iii — Make predictions based on observations.

Washington

All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow.
Patterns in the natural and human designed world can be observed, used to describe phenomena, and used as evidence.
There are many different kinds of living things in any area, and they exist in different places on land and in water.
All animals need food in order to live and grow. They obtain their food from plants or from other animals. Plants need water and light to live and grow.
K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.

Washington, D.C.

3-LS4-2 — Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.
4-LS1-1 — Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
K-LS1-1 — Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
L.1.5.b — Define words by category and by one or more key attributes (e.g., a duck is a bird that swims; a tiger is a large cat with stripes).

West Virginia

Building and appropriately using science domain vocabulary and phrases

Wisconsin

Animals obtain food they need from plants or other animals. Plants need water and light.
All organisms have external parts that they use to perform daily functions.
Students identify similarities and differences in order to sort and classify natural objects and designed products. They identify patterns related to time, including simple rates of change and cycles, and use these patterns to make predictions.
Students collect, record, and share observations. This includes the following: Record information (observations, thoughts, and ideas). Use and share pictures, drawings, or writings of observations. Use observations (firsthand or from media) to describe patterns or relationships in the natural and designed worlds in order to answer scientific questions and solve problems. Compare predictions (based on prior experiences) to what occurred (observable events). Analyze data from tests of an object or tool to determine if the object or tool works as intended.
Particular organisms can only survive in particular environments.

Wyoming

All organisms have external parts that they use to perform daily functions.
2-LS4-1 — Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.
K-ESS3-1 — Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
K-LS1-1 — Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
A range of different organisms lives in different places.