This unit seeks to teach students the concepts of adaptation and ecosystems by focusing on urban ecology. The unit does this by using the theme of birds to present these concepts to the students in a way that is comprehensible. The unit is focused around three main questions: 1) How do animals survive in the city?; 2) How are birds different from each other and how do those differences help them survive?; and 3) How are traits passed on? This is a three-week unit designed for third grade and is integrated with language arts. Students begin by exploring and observing the nature that surrounds them everyday. Hands-on and student-centered activities will be implemented to guide the students through the process of developing the science concepts. The introductory activity has students taking a walking fieldtrip to the local park and recording the animal and plant life that they find. In the classroom, students will use field guides to identify the species they find and note their characteristics. The culminating activity will require them to use the knowledge of the concepts to create a new species of bird that is adapted to life in the city.