Two diagrams, a flowering plant and a fish, carry this four-page 4th grade labeling task, matched to NGSS 4-LS1-1. Students name five parts on each. Next to every name they write Internal or External, following the example Stem (External). The answer key marks all the plant parts as external, with roots noted as in soil. On the fish, the gills, heart, and stomach are internal.
4-LS1-1
“Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.”
Both diagrams, where students name each structure and sort it as internal or external.
Students label the stem, flower, roots, thorns, and leaves, and mark each part internal or external.
Students label the heart, fins, eyes, gills, and stomach. Three of the five sit inside the body, so this diagram asks more of students than the plant.
Roots debate
Ask why the key calls plant roots external when they are under the soil. The answer makes students define external carefully.
Side by side
Put the two diagrams next to each other and ask students to pair a plant part and a fish part with a similar job, such as leaves and gills.
Grading tip
Check the names and the Internal or External tags, not the letters. The key notes that the letters on the diagram can vary.
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