Science 6
DL6.4
Examine and describe structures and behaviours that help:
- individual living organisms survive in their environments in the short term
- species of living organisms adapt to their environments in the long term.
CP, DM, SI
Indicators for this outcome
| (a) |
Propose questions to investigate related to the structures and behaviours that help organisms survive in their environments (e.g., "What advantage are different beaks for birds?", "Why do owls turn their heads to look sideways?", "Why do rabbits change colour at different times of the year?", "Why do caribou migrate?", "Why do ground squirrels hibernate?"). |
| (b) |
Show interest and curiosity in learning about organisms' adaptations to different environments by journaling, participating in a nature walk, or sharing science-related information about adaptations (gathered from print or video resources or personal experience) with classmates. |
| (c) |
Describe examples of structures and behaviours, including seasonal changes, which help living things survive in their environments during the lifetime of the organism. |
| (d) |
Describe examples of adaptations to structures and behaviours (e.g., flippers, webbed feet, night-time vision, wide wings, camouflage colouring, migration, and hibernation) that have enabled living things to adapt to their environments in the long term. |
| (e) |
Explain how scientists use fossils and the fossil record as a source of information to identify changes or diversity in species over long periods of time. |
| (f) |
Suggest reasons why specific species of organisms have or might become endangered or extinct. |
| (g) |
Gather information from a variety of sources (e.g., Elder, traditional knowledge keeper, naturalist, textbook, non-fiction book, museum display, encyclopaedia, and website) to answer student-generated questions about the structural and behavioural adaptations of organisms. |
| (h) |
Compare closely-related animals that live in different parts of the world and propose explanations for any differences in their structures and behaviours. |
| (i) |
Research the advantages of particular structures or behaviours of organisms that suit different environments (e.g., how different bird beaks are best suited to obtain different types of food, how different types of foot structure are best suited for different environments). |
| (j) |
Suggest reasons to explain how results of similar and repeated studies of the adaptations of organisms may vary and suggest possible explanations for variations (e.g., independent studies may reveal different responses by polar bears to temperature changes or pollution). |
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R009254
Muskrats and Fire
Muskrats and Fire, written by Renée Carrière in collaboration with Charlebois Community School students in Cumberland House, provides a personal account of their journey to answer the question: Where have all the muskrats gone? The book weaves historical and present-day teachings shared by community Knowledge Keepers with the Saskatchewan K-12 curriculum. Stories centre around one Cree dialect and the cultural experiences of a specific community. It is not meant to encompass all Indigenous communities or cultural practices.
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Media and Formats :
Document
Price :
Free
Record posted/updated:
April 9, 2019
R038760
Native Plants, Water and Us!
This booklet offers general information on aquatic ecosystems, their functions and the important roles that native plants play within them. This resource focuses on aquatic ecosystems and the associated native vegetation in an agricultural context. Included are a table of contents, a glossary, lists of resources and Saskatchewan contacts.
Media and Formats :
Book
Price :
Contact the NPSS for a free copy
Record posted/updated:
July 31, 2019
R050387
Pearson Saskatchewan Science 6. Student Text
Saskatchewan Science 6 is custom published for Saskatchewan and developed by a team of Saskatchewan teachers. Each unit starts with a list of "Big Ideas" that sets the focus for the unit. A Big Idea then provides the title for each section in the unit. Throughout the unit, opportunities are provided for students to work together, communicate ideas, perform experiments, and carry out library and Internet research. Key vocabulary is bolded throughout the unit and an explanation of each term is provided. All key terms and explanations are also listed in a glossary at the back of the text. First Nations and Métis content, perspectives, and ways of knowing are an integral part of the Saskatchewan science text. Highlights of the activities and achievements of Saskatchewan men and women are provided in the "Ask ..." feature. In each unit, the "Ask ..." feature provides access to the wisdom of a First Nations or Métis Elder or Traditional Knowledge Keeper, who shares an oral story related to the content of that unit.
(More information)
•
Pearson Saskatchewan Science 6. Student Edition E-Book CD
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Pearson Saskatchewan Science 6. Teacher's Resource
Media and Formats :
Book
Price :
$89.78
Record posted/updated:
October 14, 2019
R015481
Concentus Citizenship Education Resources. Grade 6: The Intentional & Explicit Teaching of Essential Citizenship Competencies
Students investigate and understand the meaning of and relationship between authority and power, influence and force. They examine this concept from a personal perspective and then extend their understanding to Canada and countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Students examine the characteristics and traits of leadership beginning with the individual and then extend their understandings to the structure of organizations, both nationally and internationally.
Media and Formats :
Document
Price :
Free
Record posted/updated:
January 3, 2019
R071667
Adapting to Deserts and Other Ecosystems
What adaptations help animals survive in their environments? Various segments of this video program feature animal adaptations in Asian deserts, the characteristics of crocodiles that help them function in their environment and the adaptations that help birds to fly. One section focuses on the life of wild horses and other animals throughout the changing seasons of the steppe in Central Asia.
Media and Formats :
CD/DVD
Price :
$89.95
Record posted/updated:
November 28, 2018
R011314
Our Incredible World Series
This video series examines an urban wetland. Jesse and Seka pursue a science project on biodiversity. They decide to survey the life in a cattail marsh to build a case to preserve the wetland. Through each episode in the series, Jesse and Seka learn about the species in the wetland, how to take data to substantiate their claims, how to classify the various species, how the various species adapt to live in the wetland and present their findings to city councillors and the land owner.
•
Classification Practice and Learning About Microorganisms
•
Discovering the World of Biodiversity
•
Identification Practice and Understanding Classification Systems
•
Presentation of Findings: Understanding Human Impact
•
Sampling the Life Forms in an Urban Wetland
•
Understanding Adaptation to Specific Habitats
Media and Formats :
CD/DVD
Price :
$89.00 ea.
Record posted/updated:
July 2, 2020
R071659
Life Processes of Plants
This DVD touches on the classification of plants and on the role of plants as producers in an ecosystem. It examines plant cells in relation to animal cells and explains the process of photosynthesis. Sexual and asexual reproduction in plants are illustrated using diagrams, animations and photographs.
Teachers should select portions of the program that relate directly to specific learning outcomes.
Teachers should select portions of the program that relate directly to specific learning outcomes.
Media and Formats :
CD/DVD
Price :
$149.00
Record posted/updated:
July 8, 2024
R052176
Fall Comes to Lac La Ronge
Fall Comes to Lac La Ronge is a 15 minute video produced by Randy Johns and Richard Frisky for KCDC. It details the cycle of the seasons as they slowly transform from the glory of summer to the splendour of fall. How various life forms prepare for fall is highlighted, including the migration patterns of pelicans and bald eagles. The film describes the beaver, how they use the trembling aspen trees in the region, as well as Grey Owl's conservation efforts to protect them. The film also features the track The Silent Scream by Ion.
(More information)
Media and Formats :
Video
Price :
Free
Record posted/updated:
November 28, 2018
R071572
Great Plains
This video examines the great plains on earth. The great plains cover more than one-quarter of the land on the planet and at the heart of the plains is grass. Grass feeds wildlife around the planet. Great plains described in this program include the African savanna, the Asian steppe, the Arctic tundra and the North American prairie.
Media and Formats :
CD/DVD
Price :
$144.95 (complete Planet Earth series)
Record posted/updated:
July 1, 2020
R055401
The Eco-Diary of Kiran Singer
Kiran explores the environmental problems threatening her local wetland. For her birthday, Kiran is given a diary by her grandma. She is invited by her grandma to help her and a conservation crew to restore a bog in Vancouver, BC. Using poetic form, Kiran expresses her thoughts about the bog and the various life species that live there. Through the text, students should be inspired to help protect wetlands in their local communities.
Media and Formats :
Book
Price :
$18.95
Record posted/updated:
November 28, 2018
R031187
Saskatchewan Birds
Over 145 species of birds are described in this well-organized and colourful resource. The book is divided into major categories such as diving birds, waterfowl, birds of prey and owls. Within these sections, individual birds are covered on each page. Each entry contains a drawing, a map and a description of the bird's habits and characteristics. The introduction provides background information about the top birding sites and sanctuaries in Saskatchewan, as well as a discussion about the province's ecological regions and the types of birds found in each region. The size and format make it easy to take on field trips. An index is included.
(More information)
Media and Formats :
Book
Price :
$17.95
Record posted/updated:
November 28, 2018
R102450
Canada's Polar Life
This university-sponsored website examines the animals, bacteria, fungi, plants and protists that inhabit Canada's arctic. A major emphasis is to explore Inuit ways of knowing and understanding the North, including classification systems and mythology.
Media and Formats :
Website
Price :
unavailable
Record posted/updated:
November 28, 2018
R054783
After Life: The Strange Cycle of Decay
This video explains decomposition, one of nature's most important processes. For two months in the summer of 2011, a glass box containing food laid out from a typical kitchen and garden for a family of four was left to rot in full public view within Edinburgh Zoo. In this resulting documentary, presenter Dr. George McGavin and his team use time-lapse cameras and 3-D photography to capture the way in which moulds, microbes and insects are able to break down our everyday things and allow new life to emerge from old. The film reveals the incredible science of taphonomy, discovering what happens to organic matter as it starts to decompose. Whole new ecosystems of life invade, each more complex than you would ever expect. The micro-organisms involved in turning milk sour, lactobacillus, are highlighted; in addition to pseudomonas, micro-organisms that make meat smell; and botrytis cinerea, those that make fruit and vegetables go velvety grey.
Microbiology gives us insight into the part played by bacteria, yeasts and fungi. Biochemistry reveals how the chemical processes in living organisms cause change. Entymology reveals the vital role of insects in the great cycle of decay. The video also explores the incredible science behind preservation, from new food packaging and chemical additives to UV radiation and osmotic pressures.
Microbiology gives us insight into the part played by bacteria, yeasts and fungi. Biochemistry reveals how the chemical processes in living organisms cause change. Entymology reveals the vital role of insects in the great cycle of decay. The video also explores the incredible science behind preservation, from new food packaging and chemical additives to UV radiation and osmotic pressures.
(More information)
Media and Formats :
CD/DVD
Price :
unavailable
Record posted/updated:
July 8, 2024
R071670
The Bulrush Helps the Pond = Otawask wicihtaw tawanipeyanik
Written in Swampy Cree and English, this book provides students with an appreciation of the diversity and fragility of the prairie wetland ecosystem. Mr. Carriere describes the bulrushes through the seasons and how the various animals, insects and birds rely on the bulrushes and ponds for survival. The book demonstrates that traditional First Nations knowledge is parallel to Western science.
Media and Formats :
Book
Price :
$9.99
Record posted/updated:
November 28, 2018
R071694
Strange New Species: Astonishing Discoveries of Life on Earth
Written in a narrative style, the book includes information about how new technologies allow scientists to explore parts of the Earth that were previously inaccessible and how scientists classify and research new species. The author incorporates open-ended questions related to current social issues such as cloning, genetically modified organisms and transgenic animals. Numerous photographs support the text. A table of contents, a glossary and an index are included.
Media and Formats :
Book
Price :
$19.95
Record posted/updated:
November 28, 2018
R039705
Tree of Life: The Incredible Biodiversity of Life on Earth
Readers are invited to climb the Tree of Life to gain a better understanding of the diversity of living things in our world. At the beginning of the book, a double-page spread depicts a tree with five branches, each representing one of the five main kingdoms: plants, animals, protista, fungi and monera.
As readers progress through the book and explore the analogy to the Tree of Life, a proportionate section of the tree is shaded yellow to represent the place of each kingdom or branch within the world of living things. Once the author reaches the animal kingdom, further classification indicates the place of invertebrates and vertebrates. From there, branches on the tree represent fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Ultimately, one small yellow leaf indicates human's place on the tree. This analogy causes readers to reflect on the variety of life on Earth and on the impact humans have on all living species.
As readers progress through the book and explore the analogy to the Tree of Life, a proportionate section of the tree is shaded yellow to represent the place of each kingdom or branch within the world of living things. Once the author reaches the animal kingdom, further classification indicates the place of invertebrates and vertebrates. From there, branches on the tree represent fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Ultimately, one small yellow leaf indicates human's place on the tree. This analogy causes readers to reflect on the variety of life on Earth and on the impact humans have on all living species.
(More information)
Media and Formats :
Book
Price :
$14.95
Record posted/updated:
July 8, 2024
R071683
Natural Neighbours: Selected Mammals of Saskatchewan
Natural Neighbours: Selected Mammals of Saskatchewan focuses on various mammals found in Saskatchewan and describes their appearance, habits, food, habitat, survival strategies, ecological relationships, status and range. The mammals chosen for the book tend to be widely distributed in the province, are well-known by the public and are most likely to be seen. The book also promotes a better understanding of the human relationship with the environment.
The book was compiled by and co-published with Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management.
The book was compiled by and co-published with Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management.
(More information)
Media and Formats :
Book
Price :
$19.95
Record posted/updated:
July 8, 2024
R071685
Ookpik. The Travels of a Snowy Owl
The first year of life of a snowy owl is described. Ookpik hatches in the Arctic during spring. He grows quickly during the short summer season. When autumn arrives, Ookpik instinctively knows that he must leave the Arctic or starve.
The author describes Ookpik's journey south. He sees things for the first time, such as trees. Natural surroundings are changing as Ookpik travels from the barren Arctic to the taiga and finally arrives at his destination in the Adirondack Mountains.
The author has included additional information on the snowy owl in the back of the book.
The author describes Ookpik's journey south. He sees things for the first time, such as trees. Natural surroundings are changing as Ookpik travels from the barren Arctic to the taiga and finally arrives at his destination in the Adirondack Mountains.
The author has included additional information on the snowy owl in the back of the book.
(More information)
Media and Formats :
Book
Price :
$14.35 US
Record posted/updated:
July 8, 2024
R052013
Below Zero
Below Zero is an instructional resource for educators teaching about natural resources within winter and frozen environments. Designed to complement the Project WILD Activity Guide, the activities in Below Zero promote awareness, knowledge, skills and responsible behaviour towards wildlife in winter environments. The activity guide contains four sections: Awareness and Appreciation, Habitat and Ecological Principles, Adaptation and Responsible Human Actions. Teachers are encouraged to select and adapt activities from this resource that align with curriculum outcomes and meet the needs of students.
Below Zero activity guides are free to teachers attending a Below Zero workshop, often offered in conjunction with Project WILD workshops. These workshops provide an opportunity to experience the activities and to plan how to use them in the classroom. A modest registration fee covers workshop materials and expenses.
Below Zero activity guides are free to teachers attending a Below Zero workshop, often offered in conjunction with Project WILD workshops. These workshops provide an opportunity to experience the activities and to plan how to use them in the classroom. A modest registration fee covers workshop materials and expenses.
(More information)
Media and Formats :
Book
Price :
Free to workshop participants
Record posted/updated:
July 8, 2024
R047204
Life in the Undergrowth Series
This series of DVDs examines the world of the invertebrate. David Attenborough tells us that invertebrates are more than bugs and beetles - they can be neon glow worms or silkweaving spiders, plus other life forms. Through computerized motion control, students can see the world of invertebrates from their perspective.
•
Invasion of the Land
•
Taking to the Air
Media and Formats :
CD/DVD
Price :
$59.99
Record posted/updated:
October 7, 2020
R071571
From Pole to Pole
This video program examines the planet as a whole and the factors that shaped its history. Sun and fresh water govern the lives of all plants and animals on Earth and define their habitats. Seasons are created by the tilt of the Earth's orbit to the sun. A polar bear must prepare her cubs for the journey across the frozen sea. Habitats discussed in the program include the ocean, the desert and the Arctic.
Media and Formats :
CD/DVD
Price :
$144.95 (complete Planet Earth series)
Record posted/updated:
July 1, 2020
R041220
Project WILD Activity Guide
The 2002 Project WILD Activity Guide features activities designed to develop awareness, knowledge, skills and the environment. Through many of the activities, students are engaged in informed decision making in which they consider the impact of their actions on the ecosystem. Each multigrade activity includes objectives, method, background information, materials and procedures, as well as extension and evaluation ideas. The activity guide contains seven sections: Awareness and Appreciation; Diversity of Wildlife Values; Ecological Principles, Management and Conservation; People, Culture and Wildlife; Trends, Issues, and Consequences; and Responsible Human Actions. Teachers are encouraged to select and adapt activities that align with curriculum outcomes and meet the needs of students.
Project WILD activity guides are free to teachers who attend a Project WILD workshop. These workshops provide an opportunity to experience the activities and to actively plan how to use them in the classroom. A modest registration fee will cover workshop materials and expenses.
Project WILD activity guides are free to teachers who attend a Project WILD workshop. These workshops provide an opportunity to experience the activities and to actively plan how to use them in the classroom. A modest registration fee will cover workshop materials and expenses.
(More information)
Media and Formats :
Book
Price :
Free to workshop participants
Record posted/updated:
July 8, 2024
R040816
Saskatchewan Native Wildlife Series
The posters in the Saskatchewan Native Wildlife Series feature illustrations of the diverse wildlife found in our province. Information about each animal, including physical features, food, habitat and babies, are provided on the poster as well as in accompanying notes for educators. Individual titles in the series include: Grouse, Partridge and Pheasants of Saskatchewan; Wild Cats and Dogs of Saskatchewan; Wild Hoofed Animals of Saskatchewan; Wild Rabbits and Hare, Big Rodents and Bear of Saskatchewan; and Wild Weasels of Saskatchewan.
(More information)
Media and Formats :
Other
Price :
Free
Record posted/updated:
December 9, 2018