Teaching Science with Kidlit: NGSS Performance Expectation 1-LS3-1

1-LS3-1. Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents. [Clarification Statement: Examples of patterns could include features plants or animals share. Examples of observations could include leaves from the same kind of plant are the same shape but can differ in size; and, a particular breed of dog looks like its parents but is not exactly the same.]  

Just Like My Papa by Toni Buzzeo

What Bluebirds Do by Pamela Kirby 

Stay Close to Mama by Tony Buzzeo 

Dolphin Baby by Nicola Davies

One Red Apple by Harriet Ziefert

A Seed Is Sleepy by Dianna Hutts Aston

Dogs by Emily Gravett

No Two Alike by Keith Baker 

Activity 1

Allow students time to collaborate in pairs or small groups to create a picture story about a young lion with no spots or a young bluebird with no spots and what dangers it might face because of its appearance. After the children have illustrated their stories, add them to the classroom library so classmates can read them.

Activity 2

To extend the lesson, discuss differences between adult animals of the same kind as well. Then show the class a picture of an adult animal (elephant, leopard, eagle, etc.) and give students an outline of that animal that they can color. Encourage students to color in the outline and then compare how their colored drawings are the same as and different from the visual model (picture) and from those of their classmates.