Savanna Secrets Slides Savanna Secrets
Unmasking the Hyena
5th Grade Science Physical Adaptations
Spot the Difference
Many people think hyenas are just "wild dogs." Compare the two animals below. What physical differences do you see?
German Shepherd
Straight back
Equal leg length
Pointed ears
🦴
Spotted Hyena
"What looks different about its back and legs?"
The Misunderstood Predator
Time to fill your T-Chart!
Embedded media
Watch for physical traits
Identify their functions
Listen for "Bone Crushing"
Savanna Lexicon
Matriarchal
A social system where females are the leaders and dominate the hierarchy.
Scavenger
An animal that feeds on carrion (dead animals) instead of only hunting fresh prey.
Adaptation
A special physical trait or behavior that helps an animal survive in its environment.
Carrion
The flesh of dead animals . Hyenas can eat almost every part of this, including bones!
Build a Hyena
The Mission
Create a model (clay or drawing) of a hyena that includes three specific physical adaptations:
📉
Sloped Back
🦒
Longer Front Legs
🧣
Thick Neck
Don't forget to write your caption ! Explain how one of these traits helps the hyena survive.
Cackle & Chat
Pick a partner and show off your model. Take 30 seconds to explain:
"Which adaptation did you choose to explain in your caption, and why is it vital for a scavenger?"
Hyena Field Notes Worksheet Hyena Field Notes
Savanna Adaptation Study
Researcher:
Date:
Phase 1: Observation
Look at the images on the screen comparing a dog and a hyena. Record 3 physical differences you notice about the hyena.
Phase 2: Trait vs. Function
As you watch the video, identify specific physical traits (body parts) and their functions (how they help the hyena survive).
Physical Trait (The Body Part)
Function (The Job it Does)
Phase 3: Build a Hyena
Model Plan / Sketch:
Sketch your model above. Be sure to include: Sloped back, long front legs, and a thick neck.
Adaptation Caption:
Trait Chosen:
Survival Explanation:
Cackle Crew Teacher Guide Cackle Crew
Teacher Facilitation Guide
5th Grade Science
Topic: Physical Adaptations
Objective
Students will identify the specific physical adaptations of hyenas (sloped back, long front legs, powerful jaws) and explain how these traits facilitate their survival as both scavengers and hunters in the African savanna.
Essential Questions
How do an animal's physical traits reflect its role in the ecosystem?
Why are scavengers like hyenas misunderstood by humans?
How does the "hunched" build of a hyena aid its movement and hunting?
Materials Needed
Savanna Secrets Slides
Field Notes Worksheet
Modeling Clay / Drawing Sets
Video: "The Misunderstood Predator"
Instructional Flow
05 MINS
Warm-up: The Comparison
Display Slide 2. Direct students to the "Phase 1" section of their worksheet.
"Look at the hyena's silhouette. Most people see a dog, but hyenas are their own family. Why is its back sloped? Why are the front legs so tall? Discuss with your neighbor."
15 MINS
Viewing & T-Chart Analysis
Play the video embedded on Slide 3. Use these timestamps to pause and discuss:
0:40 (Carcass Scene) "Why are scavengers like hyenas important for keeping the environment clean?"
1:50 (The Chase) "Is the hyena just a scavenger? What evidence do we see that they are also hunters?"
3:10 (Social Structure) "How is a matriarchal society different from other animal groups we've studied?"
4:35 (Bone Eating) "How does eating bones help survival when food is scarce?"
20 MINS
Build a Hyena Project
Students use clay or drawings to model the hyena's specific anatomy. They must label or explain one trait in the "Phase 3" caption box.
Check for: Ensure students don't just make a 'dog'. Look for the exaggerated front-end and the heavy neck/head.
Answer Key: Trait vs. Function
Trait (Physical Body Part) Function (How it Helps) Powerful Jaws & Large Teeth Allows them to crush and eat bones/skin to extract maximum nutrients. Longer Front Legs / Sloped Back Aids in long-distance endurance running and provides a hunched posture for carrying heavy carcasses. Thick, Powerful Neck Muscles Necessary for tearing through tough hide and carrying large pieces of meat/bone.
