Ice+Breaker

__**Name of Session:**__ Who am I, where do I live, and what makes me special? Animal traits as a result of their environment.

Specific adaptations of certain plants and animals are necessary in order for survival in a given environment (biome). Example: Animals living in cold regions must have thick fur to keep warm where animals living in hot, dry regions must be able to dissipate heat and retain moisture. World climates are a result of the tilt of the Earths axis, global wind patterns, and ocean currents. The poles receive less sunlight than the equator and therefore, are colder. Wind patterns (Hadley Cells) create places such as the deserts where descending air from the troposphere is dry. Given certain criteria, participants will interpret, analyze, and apply data to reach a common goal.
 * __Learning Goals for DVI Fellows:__**


 * __Summary of Activities:__**

**Welcome to the 2008 Summer Teacher Leader Institute! ** Why do Polar Bears live in cold places? Why are there very few animals in the desert? Can an Emperor Penguin live in a rain forest? This opening activity was designed for you to, explore the different Biomes of the world and some of the animals that live within them, investigate traits of these animals and why they are important to survival, and to have fun meeting new friends! You will each receive a World Biome packet and a Trait sheet that has characteristics of an animal. There is someone in your row that has the same trait sheet as you. Your first task is to find that person. Then you will read over the Biome sheet and try to determine which Biome your animal lives in based on its’ characteristics. Along the wall you will find Biome posters, go to the one that you and your partner chose. Once everyone is at a Biome (we will make sure you are at the proper one before moving on) discuss your animals’ traits with the rest of the group. Your final task is to try to determine what animal you have and why these traits are important to survival in that environment.
 * Who am I, where do I live, and what makes me special? **
 * Animal traits as a result of environment. **
 * // by: Mandy Weidenhammer, Parkland High School  //**

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