Today we reflected on our field study at the wetland. We compared the traits of organisms at the wetland and discussed the adaptations of various insects and plants (e.g., cattails). Then we decided to take an inventory of our own human traits. While looking in a mirror, each student determined whether they had detached earlobes, a widow's peak hairline, could roll their tongue, and more. Some students posed for a photo to help me document the human traits we discovered in our classroom. (See the students above with curly hair, dimples, and freckles!)
Working in small groups, students recorded the traits data for their group. Then we graphed the whole class data on chart paper using sticky notes. It was fun to compare the prevalence of various human traits in our classroom. Then I asked students, "Do any of these traits help us survive in our environment?" We decided that the traits we had graphed were neutral traits that did not help us or hurt us. Working in small groups, students were then asked to make a list of human traits that they thought were important for our survival. After some discussion, they were invited to choose one trait that was most important and report out to the whole group.
Student responses varied and included our ability to communicate, our five senses, our creative brain, and our hands because they can "do stuff". We talked more about our hands. We looked at our opposable thumb, a specialized structure (or adaptation) that has given humans a survival advantage. For example, our opposable thumb allows us to grip and use tools.
We decided to measure our hand span with a ruler to note the variation that exists for this trait. While the hand span for most students was 7.0 inches, the length varied from 6.0 to 8.0 inches with one outlier at 9.0 inches. Not surprisingly, the outlier is also the tallest student in the fifth grade! We will keep thinking about traits, adaptations, and variation.
We decided to measure our hand span with a ruler to note the variation that exists for this trait. While the hand span for most students was 7.0 inches, the length varied from 6.0 to 8.0 inches with one outlier at 9.0 inches. Not surprisingly, the outlier is also the tallest student in the fifth grade! We will keep thinking about traits, adaptations, and variation.