Mississippi Science ZOO.10.7
The Standard
- ZOO.10
- Students will understand the structure and function of phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, and how they demonstrate the characteristics of living things.
Enrichment: Use an engineering design process to develop a possible solution to an environmental issue that currently exists in an ecosystem. *
2026 Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Science · Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students identify a documented environmental problem in an ecosystem, such as mammals killed near a stream crossing. They set goals and limits for a solution, then build, test, and revise a model.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can sketch a culvert ledge that gives mammals a dry route without blocking water. They test it at two water levels and use the results to explain a change.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may assume a dry model proves wild mammals will use the crossing. They may test only at low water or overlook how a ledge could block stream flow.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: A flooded culvert sends small mammals onto the road. Sketch a fix, name one design limit, and describe a test and a change you would make if it fails.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Build a cardboard culvert in a tray with a craft-stick ledge, add water, and test whether a toy mammal crosses on dry ground.
Ask: Would a wider ledge or a higher ledge help more when the stream rises, and what evidence would settle it?
Give pairs sketches of a low ledge, high ledge, and stepping stones; award points for dry passage, water flow, and cost.
Use a satellite map of a road crossing a stream to mark where a dry mammal route could connect habitat on both banks.
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Printable ZOO.10.7 Worksheet
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