Animal Study

Project Due: March 24, 2014

Throughout the month of March we will begin an exploration of an animal of interest (birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals); each child will choose an animal to research (in class) and present to the class in late March. This should be a different animal than the one researched in first grade. I will provide the first research resource; however, children may need to find additional resources to be used for gathering information as well. Children may choose library books, Internet sites, or any other reliable source of information to assist them with their research. Your child will be given ample research time at school; however, students who do not utilize research time may need to complete work at home. Once research has been gathered students will complete a research report at school. Information gathered will be used for creating this “At Home” project.

For our “At Home” project, children will be responsible for creating a “visual” which will be displayed during their animal study presentation. Visuals must depict their chosen animal; visuals must be 3-dimensional and may be displayed freestanding, in boxes, or any other format which the child desires. Some examples of past visuals include scrapbooks, pillows, papier-mâché, games, t-shirts, mini-movies, Lego© constructions, Power Point© slide shows, mobiles, etc. This project is not meant to be an expense so please feel free to recycle materials found in and around the home; however, creativity is stressed and will be reflected in the project’s grade. Parents are encouraged to assist, but a majority of the work must be completed by the student. Please see the rubric below for grading criteria.

As always, if you have further questions, please feel free to ask.

Grading Criteria:

• The animal study (research notes) contains accurate information. 15 points

• The “visual” gives a clear representation of the animal. 20 points

• Creativity is evident. Students are being given ample time for quality work and this should be reflected in the project. 15 points

• The project was completed “neatly” and it is obvious to the audience that the student took their time to complete the project to the best of his/her abilities. 10 points

• The project was completed and brought to school on time. 10 points

• A clear speaking voice was used in the presentation. Please practice the presentation at home! 10 points

• The child demonstrates knowledge on his/her topic of study, (the child was able to answer questions posed by the teacher if student did not present all requirements in the oral report. 20 points

Oral report requirements: (We will utilize the “Eeetchy beads” to keep us on track)

• Green Group: What group does the animal belong to? (reptile, mammal, etc.)

• Blue Do: What does the animal do for food and protection? How many babies does it have? What are they called? How long do they stay with the parent (if they do)

• What does it look like? (coloring, size (height and weight), etc.)

• What is it made of? (scales, hollow bones, warm/cold blooded, etc.

• Pink Parts: (how many legs/wings, long/short fur, feathers, beak, claws, etc.)

• White Where: Where does it live in the wild? Name the continents/oceans and describe it’s natural habitat.

• What else do you know? At least three interesting facts you discovered about your animal