Science Lesson

1. Science Lesson What can teeth tell us? 5E Model #5. Materials

2. Rationale • High-interest, hands-on lesson • Follows CA First grade standards • This lesson will teach students that teeth have varying shapes and uses

3. Engagement • Show the students pictures of meat-eating dinosaurs and plant-eating dinosaurs, one at a time • Ask students to describe the teeth. Ask what kind of food the dinosaur might eat

4. Exploration • Students will work in cooperative groups to investigate the relationship between the shape of a tooth and an animal’s diet • Guiding question – How do the teeth of animals help the animals eat their food?

5. Materials • Staple remover • Cotton balls • Flat rocks • Leaves

6. Investigation • Distribute materials to each group • The staple remover represents sharp, pointed teeth • The cotton balls represents meat • The 2 flat rocks represent flat, grinding teeth • The leaves represent plants

7. Explanation • Introduce correct terminology • Carnivore – a meat-eating animal • Herbivore – a plant-eating animal • Ask kids to share their findings from the investigation #6. Investigation

8. Elaboration • Extend understanding to new, but similar, situations • Have students use mirrors to examine their own teeth to identify what kinds of teeth they have • They should conclude that they are meat-eaters and plant-eaters