Crosscutting Concepts Graphic Organizer

Structure and Function

In nature and design, structure and function are related concepts that and help serve one another. An
object’s structure will aid in its function, and the function of the object is made possible by its form.

Using this organizer:

The goal of this graphic organizer is to give students the opportunity to explore the relationship
between the structure of an object, organism, machine, or system, and its function. Students should
develop an understanding of how the shape and stability of an object helps it function.

Students should record the phenomenon

they are observing.
Apply Structure and Function to the Phenomenon of _________________________________________________

Object:

Students should use pictures and words to describe the natural or designed
object they are observing.

Tell about the shape of this object: Tell about the stability of this object:

Have students add details about Students should describe the

the shape of their object. strength or weakness of the
object.

Function:

Students should use pictures and words to describe what the object
does. This should also include detail about how the object’s shape helps
it accomplish it’s function.

In Grades 3-5 students will look more closely to see how the form of substructures allows
for individual functions as well as how they contribute to the function of the overall structure.

K_2_CCC_Graphic_Organizers_Structure Function.indd 1 07/03/18 8:49 am

Apply Structure and Function to the Phenomenon of _________________________________________________

Object:

Tell about the shape of this object: Tell about the stability of this object:

Function: