Animals of the World

 

Process

In order to accomplish this task there are several steps that you will need to follow:


  1. 1. First you will be assigned to groups of 2 or 3 students (this is so that you can learn how to work in a group setting- and so that you can put your heads together to research!)


  1. 2.Next, you will choose an animal from a list of animals which your teacher will provide to you.


  1. 3.After choosing the animal you will be given about an hour to conduct your research, looking wherever you can to find information about your particular animal and its habititat.  Of course, some books will be provided, but it is up to you to use your mind, and the minds of your partners, to figure out where else you could find information.  Remember, you are the researcher, and it is up to you to figure out this information!


  1. 4.The information you will be looking for will include the country they live in, where that country is located on a map, what the animal eats, and why that animal is able to live in that climate (or why they HAVE to live in that climate). 


  1. 5.Once this information has been gathered you will be given a certain amount of time to put it together in paragraph form with your group.


  1. 6.Next, groups will present their information to the class, possibly with pictures the students have gathered in their research.


  1. 7.Finally, after all students have presented, you will have the chance to create a diorama of the environment that your animal lives in.  This part of the project is art centered and should provide you with a relaxing opportunity to present your findings in a different way (other than writing).


This particular lesson can be done with more than one class but it is designed to do with just your own class.  The lesson should not take any longer than one week but could be as short as one day, it really depends on how much time you want to devote to the lesson each day. 


This lesson only really focuses on one subject, but it could be considered interdisciplinary because although the subject matter focuses on geography the students are also learning how to conduct research, which can be considered a part of science or even language arts (students will have to research books for book reports). 


Once it is time for students to form groups you, the teacher, could let them form their own groups if you feel they are mature enough to do this on their own.  They could also form their own groups if you believe they will form groups that will work together well.  If you don’t believe your students are capable of this task than you should put the children in groups of your choosing before you have started the lesson. 


This lesson could easily be done by anyone.  You should be prepared to deal with chaos and stress, but it also should be fun and entertaining for all.  Since the main goal of this assignment is to introduce the children to research and to allow them to better understand different climates you should be prepared to to help children search for facts.


This lesson could be carried out in the library, in a computer lab, or simply just in the classroom.  It just needs to be done where the students have access to information resources.