Crosscutting Concepts: Patterns with Kingsnakes | Coastal Kingdom
Students observe patterns of forms and events to guide organization and classification. Patterns prompt student questions about factors that influence cause and effect relationships and are useful as evidence to support student explanations and arguments.
Essential Question
Do fingerprints and the patterns on snakeskin have anything in common?
Grade(s):
- 3
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
Lesson Progression
Engage:
Ask- Do you think your fingerprints and the patterns on snakeskin have anything in common? Post the question in the classroom or display on smartboard/board.
Instruct the students to move to the right side of the room for yes, the left side of the room for no, or stand in the middle if they aren't sure. Tell the students to be ready to explain their reasoning.
Pick 2 volunteers from each “stance” to share their reasoning for picking their choice.
Explore:
Choose 5 of the king snake pictures from the Coastal kingdom database to display on board. These can be put on smartboard/smart tv or printed poster size and posted. You can also print sets to share with students if needed. Pictures must be in color.
Have students take 2-3 minutes to view these pictures of the king snakes. Ask: Would anyone like to change their answer now to the question- Do you think your fingerprints and patterns on snakeskin have anything in common? If so, move to side that corresponds with your changed answer.
Pick 2 different volunteers from each “stance” to share their reasoning for changing their answer.
Display 5 pictures of human fingerprints on board and repeat above instructional strategy.
Provide each student a short article about DNA and unique fingerprints of each human (linked in the resources tab). After students read have them repeat above instructional strategy again. When students share the reason they may change their stance this time, have students provide evidence from article to support their changed stance.
Explain:
Explain to students that much like how each human fingerprint is different every snakeskin pattern is slightly different. This is due genetic material is each cell known as DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid. The nucleus of the cell contains the DNA. The DNA is vital as it provides instructions for each cell. Without these important instructions the cell would not know what to do.
As you are explaining this to students, have them create doodle notes to enhance their learning. (See the link in the resources tab for doodlenotes.)
Extend:
Show students video of kingsnake being ID’d in wild again from Coastal Kingdom (linked in the resources tab).
Ask children brainstorm with their table partner and on 2 sticky notes write the reason snakes have unique individual patterns. Sticky notes should then all placed on banner so class can see peers’ thoughts. Provide several sheets of banner paper as parking lots for these post-its.
Evaluate:
The goal is for students to create the connection between patterns as well and cause and effect.
DNA ----> Instructions for cells----> In this case, patterns on snakeskin ----> protection from predators
Teacher Notes
differentiation: Pair students together to read the DNA article. Provide students with pre-filled notes or a doodle note template.
extension: Challenge advanced students to research different types of snake skin patterns and their functions. They can explore how these patterns aid in camouflage, mimicry, or thermoregulation. Encourage them to create a presentation or infographic summarizing their findings. This extension activity fosters independent research, analysis of scientific concepts, and communication skills.
Kingsnake Journal Entry | Coastal Kingdom
Tony Mills journal entry about kingsnake identification and release.
View AssetKingsnake | Coastal Kingdom
Discover the Kingsnake in its natural habitat along the coastal regions in this captivating video. Watch as it moves gracefully and displays its unique patterns and behaviors. Learn about its role in...
View AssetKingsnake In Field Research | Coastal Kingdom
Join Tony on a field research expedition to study Kingsnakes in their coastal habitat. See how scientist observe and learn about these snakes' behavior and their role in the ecosystem
View AssetDNA Article - Exploring Family Fingerprints
Provide students with copies of this article.
View ResourceDoodle Notes Information
Reference for additional information about taking doodle notes.
View ResourceStandards
Assessments
Use the sticky note exit tickets on the banner to assess student learning outcomes.
