We are working on Project Squirrel. We will observe squirrels in the neighborhood. We will report our data to scientists working with Project Squirrel.
From Project Squirrel: "No matter where you live, city or suburb, from the Midwest to the East Coast, Canada to California, whether squirrels live in your neighborhood or not, you are encouraged to become a squirrel monitor.
Data means information one collects. We will collect data about squirrels. We will count the number of gray and black squirrels we observe (see) and where in the local habitat we observe the squirrels! Don't forget, you can collect data at home too! We will report our data here at the website for Project Squirrel.
Watch our short squirrel movies and our very own squirrel comics! Who doesn't like to watch movies? Who doesn't like to read comics?
We will make our own comics about squirrels. Mr. Czarka made a his own comic. Take a look at Mr. Czarka's Squirrel Comic. Think: How is Mr. Czarka telling a story? What story is his comic telling? How can I make a comic better than Mr. Czarka?
We will brainstorm about different stories we want to tell. We will make a list of the different story ideas. What will the feeling of your story be? Happy? Scary? Thrilling? We will sketch this comic out on a template.
We will take our own pictures using the iPad and importing the pictures.
We will also use this website to search for copyright free images to use: Free Digital Photos .
Why do you think we should do this?
We will learn different techniques together. But the most important (and fun) way to learn: play around with the app!!!
Here is our data sheet we will use in the field observing squirrels around Hunts Point. You can print this out and use it at home too! Bring your data to school! Practice using the Project Squirrel Data Sheet indoors. Use the videos below the data sheet to practice. Imagine you are outside, quietly spying on the squirrels in their habitat! What do YOU discover about squirrels?
Use this graphic organizer to take notes when we read Squirrels All Year Long by Melvin Berger. We will use this information that we learn to create our squirrel movies and squirrel comics!
Use this rubric to assist you in creating you movie. Your goal is to attain a four (4) for each component of the rubric. This score indicates that you successfully completed the project! Way to go! Remember: As a group, we will present our iMovies and grade each group's final iMovie.
Click on the following links to read more about squirrels. Focus on the information that you understand! Take notes.