Ecosystems

The standard I selected is 3LS2-1 Construct an argument that some animals form groups to help members survive.

SEP: Construct an argument with evidence,data, and/or a model
To meet this portion of the standard, I would have students pick an animal, and then provide evidence to expalin or show how living in a group would help that animal survive. The video mentioned formal and informal arguments. I would want to have my 3rd graders use the informal argument format.

DCI: Being part of a group helps animals obtain food, defend themselves, and cope with changes. Groups may serve different functions and vary dramatically in size
When covering this portion of the standard, I think it would be important to touch on the ideas presented in the video: social interactions and behavior, differing levels of stability, and what happens when there is social isolation. I would ask students to determine how living in a group improves their ability to survive.

CCC - Cause and Effect
Showing cause and effect for this standard I feel like will happen very naturally. In looking at examples of groups of animals that live in groups, students would find they are able to survive because of a chain of interactions (get food together, protection, defense). The effect is the group is able to grow and thrive.