Animals

We finished our animal unit this week! 

Two weeks ago we learned that animals need to eat to have energy. Every animal must be able to find food in order to live. This is called the ecosystem & food chain. 

1. Plants come first. They take their food from the soil and energy from the sun.
2. Animals that are herbivores eat these plants and get energy from them.
3. Animals that are carnivores eat smaller animals that are herbivores and that is how they get energy.
4. When plants and animals die, they decompose and make soil. Plants grow in this soil and the circle continues. 

Then, we learned that animals need to protect themselves. Some animals are large and strong and do not have enemies, but many animals are eaten by others. Carnivores are predators they hunt and kill other animals for food. Herbivores are prey as many carnivores hunt them. We learned that different types of animals protect themselves in different ways. Some use camouflage, some can run fast, and some animals have sharp eyesight. 

After, we learned that animals are important to people. Many of our food sources come from animals (eggs, meat, cheese). We also discussed that specific animals are trained to help people. For example, dogs can be trained to lead to blind, herd cattle and protect people. Not only do animals help us but we can also help them. Some people rescue sick animals and animals that are orphaned. We can also help animals that are endangered. Animals can also be harmful if we enter their habitat or territory. 

To finish our animal unit we did a research report. In pairs, the students used the iPads to research and gather information on an animal of their choice.