Structure and Function of a Katydid

A katydid in Central Iowa demonstrates a unique function of its anatomy.

Video

Runnells

Iowa Core Standard

4-LS1-1

Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction

Driving Question

How is the katydid responding to its environment?

Probing Questions

What kinds of senses is the katydid using?
What kinds of information is the katydid processing in its brain?

Classroom Suggestions

Students could:

Look at other species' systems or structure (human, animal or plant) and learn about what they do and why that organism needs that system or structure to survive.
Create graphic organizers that compare and contrast different structures and systems.
Research an animal or plant and give a presentation on the different structures and systems.

Resources

PBS Learning Media | Wild Kratts: Life Science for Grade 4 with Wild Kratts The video and interactive resources use clips from the Wild Kratts to teach 4th graders about life science.
PBS LearningMedia | Nature: Structure and Function: Hummingbird Tongue: Learn how the structure of hummingbird tongues are specialized for their function of drinking nectar in this video from Nature.
PBS LearningMedia | Wild Alaska: Studying the Structure and Function of BeaversLearn about some of the structures that make a beaver so unique.

Contributors

Submitted by Karla St. John and Amber Fairbanks as part of their Iowa STEM Teacher Externship experience at Iowa PBS.

Location courtesy of Metro Waste Authority.

Media produced by Iowa PBS.