Structure and Function Matching

4th Grade ScienceStructure and Function4 pages

About this worksheet

Three matching tasks fill this four-page 4th grade worksheet on structures and their functions, aligned to NGSS 4-LS1-1. Six structures, from cactus thorns to a turtle shell, match to their jobs. Four more match to the survival categories of behavior, survival, reproduction, and growth. Design Detective ends the sheet with two habitat problems: a desert lizard hiding from hawks and a plant on a dark forest floor. Students pick a structure for each and explain why in one sentence.

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Page 1 of 4

Structure and Function Matching: Structure and Function - page 1
Structure and Function Matching: Structure and Function - page 2
Structure and Function Matching: Structure and Function - page 3
Structure and Function Matching: Structure and Function - page 4

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Curriculum objectives covered

4-LS1-1

“Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.”

All three parts, and most directly the survival category match, which uses the standard's own words: survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.

What's inside this worksheet

Structure to Function

Students match six structures, including eagle wings, oak tree roots, and a pine tree's waxy leaf coating, to what each one does. The first match, cactus thorns to C, is done for them.

Structure to Survival Category

Four structures (flower petals, a turtle shell, a plant stem, and a bird's vocal cords) match to behavior, survival, reproduction, or growth.

Design Detective

The lizard chooses between bright red skin, sandy-colored scales, and a long, sticky tongue. The forest plant chooses between deep roots, prickly thorns, and giant, wide leaves.

How teachers use it

Definitions first

Read the four category definitions with the class before the second table. Behavior and survival can look alike until students see the wording side by side.

Think aloud

Model the desert lizard problem with the class. Then let students solve the forest plant problem on their own.

Fast grading

The first two tables have letter answers, so you can check them quickly with the key. Save your time for the Design Detective sentences.

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