What are things kids will learn (standards covered): 

Utah Science Core: 

Standard IV - Utah Ecosystems: 

Objective 1: Describe the physical characteristics of Utah's wetlands, forests, and deserts.

Objective 2: Describe the common plants and animals found in Utah environments and how these organisms have adapted to the environment in which they live.

 

Standard I - The Water Cycle: 

Objective I: Describe the relationship between heat energy, evaporation and condensation of water on Earth. 

What are the skills and dispositions we expect kids to learn from the project:

Science Process Skills:

Measure accurately

Record and communicate data

Observe carefully

Make inferences

Collaboration:

Presentation Skills

Writing

Description of the project:

Have a discussion with the class on what percentage of body water an organism can lose and still live. (10% is a pretty good easy amount to work with). Students will be tasked with finding a way to keep their sponge alive for a day. Have a variety of supplies that students can use to develop an adaptation for their sponge (behavioral or structural).

Give each student a sponge. Students weigh their dry sponge and record the weight in grams. Then they fill the sponge with water to wet but not dripping and reweigh their sponge. They will record this new weight. 

Students then have an amount of time to enhance, hide, or somehow otherwise put their adaptation into effect. They can then place their sponge in a location. Outside would be best, but depending on the weather, you may need to keep it indoors. You may get creative in how to simulate a desert environment.

Leave the sponges in the location for several hours. Retrieve sponges and reweigh. Sponges that kept at least 90% of their water survived.

Students could write about the process. You may also give them the opportunity to reflect on failed attempts and try to improve on their original design.

In the end, students collaborate and share what they’ve learned.