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e-Journal

Dragons of the Sea (p. 17)


Step 1. Questions

What looks like a plant but acts like a fish? A leafy seadragon, of course! According to scientists, a leafy seadragon is an animal. Although the creature looks like a seaweed plant, it has parts that make it an animal.

Write an essay that tells how plants and animals are alike and different. Start by doing some research about plants and animals. Here are some questions to guide your research:
  • In what ways are plants like animals?
  • How are all plants alike?
  • How are all animals alike?
  • What makes a plant different from an animal?
Are you ready? Begin by visiting the Web sites listed in Step 2. Look for answers to the questions above, and write down what you learn in the boxes.

With teacher supervision, you may use search engines to research other Web sites. You also can research plants and animals at the library. When you are ready, follow Steps 3 and 4 to write your essay.


Step 2. Research

Research answers for the questions you were asked in Step 1. Visit these Web sites. Take notes about them on this page, too!


Toolbox Tip: Click here to learn more about Web browsers.


Build a Plant Salad
Begin your research by learning about plant parts. Most plants have similar structures. To test your knowledge about plant parts, click a picture of a salad item. Then click the name of the plant part it matches. If you are correct, read about the part and watch your salad grow!
Take Notes:



All About Plants
This Web site has information about how plants grow and change. Click HOW PLANTS MAKE FOOD to learn about this topic. Also, you can try HOW PLANTS GROW and HOW PLANTS REPRODUCE. When you have finished reading, you may wish to check the JOKES and POETRY about plants.

Take Notes:



To Be a Plant . . . or Not?
At this Web site, you can learn about the leafy seadragon and other animals that look like plants. Click the name of each sea creature to learn more about it. Think about how these animals are similar to and different from plants.
Take Notes:



Additional Sites

Learning Zone: Plants and Animals
This interactive Web site will help you focus on the differences between plants and animals. As you visit each page, pay attention to the differences in the ways that plants and animals grow and change. Click each category under the heading "Space Cadets."
Take Notes:



Kingdom Animalia
Click the name of a group of animals in the kingdom Animalia to learn about that group. As you read, think about how all animals are alike. What do they need to live? How are they different from plants? Read about several different groups of animals, such as birds, mammals, and reptiles.
Take Notes:



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