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Grade: Elementary
Subject: other
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Research topic.Provide for availability of art materials.
Provide for extended work time and availability of computer scanner and Internet
access.Arrange cooperative learning groups.
Materials Used:
On line resources: Scholastic Network, Grolier's Multimedia Encyclopedia,
America On Line, Compton's Electronic Encyclopedia.
CD ROM Multimedia Resources: Geo Safari: Animals (Educational Insights), Wild
World of Animals (Creative Wonders), Incredible Creature (Curriculum Associates),
Encarta Encyclopedia 96 (Microsoft), World Explorer (My First Almanac), Animal Planet
(Discovery Channel).
Printed Materials: Various encyclopedias, trade books, magazines from
classroom and school libraries.
Hi-Technology and Multimedia Software: Multimedia computer, Kid Pix Studio,
scanner, printer.
Art Supplies: drawing paper, ruled paper, crayons, markers.
Procedure: Teacher introduces the discuss of animal habitats using the habitat of the
area with a walk, books, posters, live animals if possible and CD ROM "Wild World of
Animal" and other resources which display animals in their habitat with sound and text.Teacher presents research tools which will be used to learn about the habitats and
animals.Teacher plans with the children the choice of habitats for each cooperative learning
group and choice of animal for each child. Academic and social goals are presented.
Roles are agreed upon.Criteria for project is explained:
Each student will research and write, edit, revise and present a paragraph, using
word processor, about the animal of their choice, including such facts as a
description, where the animal lives, what it eats, its habits, interesting facts, e.g. is it
endangered, migration, hibernation, specialized body parts.Each student will create an illustration of their animal in its habitat. [High tech
(multimedia presentation software, scanned pictures, etc.) or Low Tech media
(paper, crayons, markers, pictures, drawings, etc. to be scanned into presentation
software)]Each group will cooperatively write, edit, revise, and present an introductory
paragraph about their habitat, including a description, where the habitat can be
found, e.g. country, continent, and the animals that live there. Each group will create
a title page of their own choosing.Using KWL chart each group discusses and records what they already know, what they
want to know about their habitat and animals.
Each group and student is guided through the research tools to gather information,
pictures, etc. Each child formulates a question for Will Waddle, zoologist on line and
submits question.Each student conferences with group to edit and revise the individual and group
paragraphs. Each student publishes his work either on presentation software or word
processor or paper and pencil.Group collaborates and constructs the introduction.
Group with the help of the teacher assembles a slide show presentation of the project.
Drawn pictures are scanned, digital camera used or created within the presentation
software.
Each group completes their KWL chart and presents their projects to the other groups.
Individual slides are printed out and bound as books. Projects are kept in the Science
Center on disk and as books for use by their classmates.Assessment Tools:
KWL Chart to evaluate students' knowledge.
Teacher anecdotal notes.
Evaluation of student and group paragraphs, drafts, revisions and final draft.Teacher evaluations of completed presentations, organization of material,
accomplishment of social goals.Demonstration of facility with technology.
Follow-up:Extend research on habitats and view videos on different habitats.
Use of CD ROM programs, "Ego Safari", "Incredible Creatures", "Animal Planet", etc.
activities for reinforcement and enhancement of knowledge.Share presentations with 6th grade buddies and other classes, using multimedia
projector.
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