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Why do dogs wag their tails?
Fates of Traits Unit | Lesson 4 of 5

Why do dogs wag their tails?

Fates of Traits Unit | Lesson 4 of 5
Lesson narration:
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DISCUSS:

Why do you think it might be helpful for dogs to communicate with each other (like wagging their tails or rolling on their backs)?

DISCUSS (1 of 2):

Which other kinds of animals can you think of that live in groups?

Here are some animals we came up with:

DISCUSS (2 of 2):

How might living in groups be helpful for animals?

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communicate


1 of 9

to exchange information

behavior


2 of 9

the actions and reactions of living things

social behavior


3 of 9

the behaviors of living things that live in groups
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predator


4 of 9

an animal that hunts and eats other animals

protection


5 of 9

the act of keeping something or someone safe
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environment


6 of 9

all the living and nonliving things in a particular place

survive


7 of 9

to stay alive

observe


8 of 9

to pay close attention to something
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evidence


9 of 9

information that can be used to support or reject an idea
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Lesson narration:

Grade 3

Heredity, Survival, & Selection

Animal Groups & Survival

3-LS2-1

Activity Prep

Print Prep
In this lesson, students discover why dogs’ expressions, like tail wagging, are so useful when living in a pack. In the activity, Field Journal, students watch videos of different animals that live in groups to simulate observing them in their natural habitats. They discuss and record their observations, and construct an explanation of how living in groups helps these animals survive.
Preview activity

Exploration

15 mins

Wrap-Up

5 mins

Grade 3

Heredity, Survival, & Selection

Animal Groups & Survival

3-LS2-1

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