
Need a little help covering NGSS 3-LS2-1 in your third-grade class?
This unit will help your class collect data and construct arguments for why some animals live in groups! Animal groups are sometimes formed to help animals survive. Animals live in groups for different reasons. Students will collect data and construct an argument to support claims about why animals live in groups.

This unit begins with a hands-on activity in which students observe and record evidence.

Then, students will read a three page non-fiction article to allow for further research on the topic of why animals live in groups.

This CLOSE reading activity includes response pages with text-dependent questions.


In addition to the non-fiction article, this resource includes charts, response pages, interactive notebook flaps, two lesson plans, and a fun page on collective nouns.


This unit is designed to cover NGSS 3-LS2-1 and CCSS Literacy Standards RI.3.1, RI.3.2, RI.3.3, and RI.3.4.
Utah SEEd Third-grade Standard 3.2.4
Construct an explanation showing how variations in traits and behaviors can affect the ability of an individual to survive and reproduce. Examples of traits could include large thorns protecting a plant from being eaten or strong smelling flowers to attracting certain pollinators. Examples of behaviors could include animals living in groups for protection or migrating to find more food. (LS2.D, LS4.B)
Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
Determine the main idea of a text; recount the key details and explain how they support the main idea.
Describe the relationship between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text, using language that pertains to time, sequence, and cause/effect.
Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 3 topic or subject area.

Other teachers LOVE this resource!
Check out just two of the nearly two hundred perfect reviews:
Very pleased with this purchase. My students loved the labs and I loved the questions that made them think critically about why animals live in groups!
Dale H.
Great activity for third-grade science. My students loved this! The labs and readings were great!
Britlyn S.
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