Introduction

You are a marine biologist who studies whales for a living and you and a partner have decided to compile a book of all the different whales in the world.It is your task to get this book started and since there are so many different types of whales it is your job to research one whale at a time.

The task is to gather information on a whale of your choice and to compile that information into an informative report. As a class you will gather all of your reports to create a book about all the different types of whales in the world. You are to use the sites listed below, as well as any you find on your own to research your whale.

1. First you will pick a partner.
2. Then you will choose a whale to research. There are some websites listed below to help you begin your search. Don't limit yourself to these websites, explore what else is available before you choose. 
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3. Once you have picked a whale you and your partner will begin researching the sights above and any other websites or books that will help you answer these questions:
• Name of whale:
• Type of whale (baleen or toothed):
• What the whale eats:
• Where the whale is located:
• The dimensions (size) of the whale:
• Does the whale migrate? If yes, what is the migration pattern:
• How long the whale lives:
• And any other interesting facts you find:
  
4. After you have all of your data collected you and your partner will start to compile it to create a rough draft for your report. The report should be about a page in length.
   
5. After you have written the rough draft, you and your partner will take turns revising and editing the report. 
6. Once you have your report edited how you like it, type it up on the computer. (Please use 14pt font in Times New Roman) 
7. Print out your report and place it in the folder with the rest of the completed reports. The folder is located in the back of the room on the counter. 
8. Lastly, you and your partner will create a picture of your whale. You are allowed to use anything you like to do your picture, just remember to take your time and make it a good representation of what the whale really looks like. 
9. If you used paint, let it dry. Otherwise, place your drawing in the folder next to your report.
   

The evaluation of your report will be graded on the criteria listed below. You will be graded as a group.

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Exemplary 4	Score
Report of the whale	Each report at this score point is an ineffective presentation of the writer's ideas. Incomplete paragraphs Little or no organization Little or no development of ideas Does not engage the reader Frequent errors in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure	Each report at this score point is a somewhat effective presentation of the writer's ideas. Somewhat focused paragraphs Organization not always smooth or completely logical Little development of ideas, gaps of information missing Moments where writer engages the reader Some errors in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar, and stentence structure	Each report at this score point is a generally effective presentation of the writer's ideas. Paragraphs are mostly focused Generally effective organizational strategy Attempts to develop all ideas, some better than others Engages the reader Generally demonstrates good command of spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure	Each report at this score point is a highly effective presentation of the writer's ideas. Paragraphs are focused Effective organizational strategy Developed ideas, creates depth and thought Engages the reader and sustains this connection throughout the report Demonstrates a consistent command of spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure
Picture of whale	The artwork is incomplete and demonstrates little or no control over art materials Students were consistently off-task during work time	The artwork is mostly complete and demonstrates basic control over art materials Students were consistently off-task during work time	The artwork is complete and demonstrates adequate use of art materials Students remained on-task demonstrating both effort and interest in their work	The artwork is thoroughly complete and demonstrates an expert use of art materials Students diligently completed work and demonstrated both enthusiasm and an outstanding effort

After all of the groups of finished their report and picture, we will decide as a class how we should organize our book: alphabetical, type, size, etc. Once we have figured out the order we will send the book off to production to be bound. When we get the book back we will gather and share our reports to the class. The book will remain with the other non-fiction books in the back of the class as a reference. Enjoy and be proud of your book on the whales of the world!!