If you've been to a zoo lately, you may have seen some odd-looking creatures and wondered why some animal body parts are so unusual. In this program students will uncover the mystery of land animals' feet. Adaptation, a challenging yet essential concept, becomes clear in this program. Understanding how physical adaptations are related to the environment will lead students to additional insights, such as why an animal cannot survive when its habitat is destroyed.

Videoconference Outline:

• Introductions
• Discussion: What kind of shoes are you wearing?
• Physical Adaptations
• Activity: Standing on Human Feet
• Plantigrade Feet (flat-footed)
• Live Animal Guest with Q&A
• Additional adaptations for Locomotion
• Activity: Walking on Tiptoes
• Digitigrade Feet (toe-runners)
• Live Animal Guest with Q& A
• Additional Adaptations for Locomotion
•  Activity: Observing a Horse Leg
• Unguligrade Feet (nail-runners)
• Review
• Conclusion

Pre-Videoconference Activities

For this videoconference, please print out a class set of Awesome Adaptation Cards (PDF can be found under resources). Please print in color as the colors will help students match the habitats. Each student will need one card.

Learning Objectives:

Students participating in this program will be able to:

• describe what a physical adaptation is and give examples
• identify a specific animal adaptation
• explain how a specific adaptation enables an animal to survive in its habitat
• relate an animal's adaptation to its lifestyle and predict which habitat it lives in

National Content Standards:

K-12.Unifying Concepts and Processes
As a result of activities in grades K-12, all students should develop understanding and abilities aligned with the following concepts and processes: form and function

5-8.3 Life Science
As a result of their activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop understanding of: diversity and adaptations of organisms

About the Bronx Zoo Distance Learning Program

Take your students on a trip to the Zoo without setting foot outside your own classroom! Using two-way videoconferencing technology, the Bronx Zoo can bring engaging programs for K-12 students right into your own classroom—live! All Distance Learning Expeditions include several live animal "guests"—lemurs, lizards, owls and more. Programs are approximately 50 minutes and include extensive teacher support materials. These time-tested, teacher-endorsed programs are aligned with the National Science Education Standards and have received rave reviews from students and teachers alike.