How Will Dragonflies Adapt to a Warmer Earth?

• In this scientific paper, students read about how the traits of some dragonflies are changing as they adapt to the effects of climate change.
• Students gain insight into how to answer a question using the scientific method, read a simplified academic paper, answer comprehension questions, and watch videos to understand how scientists are investigating the changes in the color of dragonflies' wings due to warming temperatures.

Positives

• This resource allows students to apply their knowledge of adaptation and natural selection to an event taking place now.
• The resource includes additional lesson ideas, related articles, and a glossary of key terms.

Additional Prerequisites

• Teachers must fill in a form with their name, email, and school information to access the teacher's key, which includes answers to the discussion questions.
• The videos provide context and background information, but the lesson can be completed offline if need be, without the videos.

Differentiation

• It may be helpful for some students to use the audio version of the article (the first video on the webpage).
• The article is available in both upper and lower reading levels. The article for lower reading levels simplifies the language and includes more definitions in the glossary. It may be most suitable for the lower grade levels.
• Younger students can work in pairs to answer the comprehension questions.
• The lesson plan ideas and related articles listed include experiments, worksheets, and videos that can be used to better students' understanding of animal adaptation.
• To learn more about how animals are adapting to climate change, watch this video about the Pika and listen to this podcast about adaptation.

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.