Next Generation Science Standards 
•	NGSS 3-LS2-1.  Construct an argument that some animals form groups that help members survive.
•	NGSS 3-LS3-2. Students will use evidence to support the explanation that traits can be influenced by the environment.
•	NGSS 3-LS4-2: Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.
•	NGSS 3-LS4-3: Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
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Student Learning Outcomes
1.	Students will identify physical traits and grouping behaviors of local animal species and understand how these help them to survive
2.	Students will correlate human success in gathering to animal groups and increased survival success. They will research local wildlife that exist in groups. Using the provided “Group Animals Worksheet”, they will identify survival adaptations of group living and animal’s physical traits. 
3.	Students will understand basic human evolution as a series of traits and behaviors and be able to correlate this to animal evolution
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Essential Questions
What are different categories of climate?
What are different types of habitats?
What is a biome?
What are animal traits?
What are animal behaviors?
How do animal traits and behaviors help them survive in different climates and habitats?
Why does forming a group and working together help some animals survive?
What traits do humans have that help us survive?
How do human group behaviors like cooperation help us survive?

Jason Hyland is the President and Executive Director of Project Imo, Inc., a nonprofit experiential education organization. He has developed the eko-STEAM curriculum for use in the field and in virtual environments using a blending of Next Generation Science Standards, social-emotional learning strategies, formal peacebuilding instruction methodologies, and a deep connection with nature. He is also a substitute teacher. He is an avid outdoorsperson who has led expeditionary trips into the backcountry with backpack and canoe, facilitated high challenge courses, and nature learning experiences. He is also a retired police lieutenant and facilitated classes for youth and emerging adults in his community for decades. 

We will refer to Project Imo's eko-STEAM curriculum workbook, and video content from Stone Age Man. During the class, learners will refer to their own reference books at home or Wikipedia for basic research on animals of their choosing to complete their "Animals and Adaptations Workbook".

If children have their favorite field guides or books on local animals, these are highly encouraged. 

Our linked external content.
https://thewildclassroom.com/biomes/coniferous-forest/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mammals_of_North_America