4th grade Science Project Based Learning/Animal Adaptation and is habitat
For additional learning that goes beyond the classroom and beyond the textbook, I designed a larger project that had students doing a lot of research on two animals. This research allowed them to experience starting, developing and completing a big project that will help them with these type of research projects in future years in school. They would combine two living creatures into one of their own creation, based on valid research of both animals. Here is a summary of this project along with a few photos of their dioramas;
The driving question for 4th grade Science;
There is an empty space available at John Ball Zoo. They have not chosen what new species will inhabit this space. As a scientist, what newly invented creature will you develop to live in that new exhibit area of the zoo?
*For the writing piece; they must write a proposal (a persuasive story) of all the details of its required habitat, shelter, body covering, food/water source, climate control, etc. in the proposal to convince the zoo committee to adopt their creature for the zoo.
*For the technology piece; they will use the internet to research the two animals they are combining to invent this new creature. They will also use Microsoft Word or work on an AlphaSmart to type their written piece for the committee to review. Book research is also required in combination with the internet search.
*For the actual creature and its habitat, along with showing its physical adaptations required to survive, they will be required to build a 3-dimensional presentation.
*Both the 3-dimensional habitat and the written piece will be presented in front of the class to give them experience with public speaking.
The driving question for 4th grade Science;
There is an empty space available at John Ball Zoo. They have not chosen what new species will inhabit this space. As a scientist, what newly invented creature will you develop to live in that new exhibit area of the zoo?
*For the writing piece; they must write a proposal (a persuasive story) of all the details of its required habitat, shelter, body covering, food/water source, climate control, etc. in the proposal to convince the zoo committee to adopt their creature for the zoo.
*For the technology piece; they will use the internet to research the two animals they are combining to invent this new creature. They will also use Microsoft Word or work on an AlphaSmart to type their written piece for the committee to review. Book research is also required in combination with the internet search.
*For the actual creature and its habitat, along with showing its physical adaptations required to survive, they will be required to build a 3-dimensional presentation.
*Both the 3-dimensional habitat and the written piece will be presented in front of the class to give them experience with public speaking.