Animal Research Projects

During our Literacy times, we have been reading a wide variety of non-fiction texts to learn more information about our animal groups.  Students are working in small groups to research information about their animal groups:  reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds, or mammals.  Throughout these lessons, they have many opportunities to read independently, with a partner, or as part of their small group.

We have been practicing how to "Read, Cover, Think, and Tell", so we remember to take time to think about what we read and practice telling the important information to our partners.  This discussion has helped us learn how to explain "what stuck with us" in our own words.  It also helps us prepare for writing and drawing what we have learned on index cards, Did You Know? sheets, and on our research organizers.  We have also been working on listening carefully when our partners share their ideas so we can learn from each other.

Students have been working with their groups to create a display that shows what they have learned about their animal group, including information about:

• special features of the group
• whether they are vertebrates or invertebrates
• whether they are warm-blooded or cold-blooded
• life cycles
• food chains
• important vocabulary words ("expert words")
• habitats
• special adaptations that help them survive

During our Technology Integration times, each student has been working with a partner from their animal group to research a specific animal.  They have been learning about the habitats that their animals live in and exploring the special adaptations that help their animal survive in that habitat.  Each pair is creating a Book Creator book about their animal using the iPads.  This week, students have been taking photos of their illustrations, diagrams, and/or Lego models to add to their books.  They have also been working on adding headings to each section of their books.

Students are using information from the World Book online encyclopedia and other kid-friendly science sites, as well as from classroom and library books.   Ms. Arlyn has created a link to our research info on the library page on our school website.  Feel free to check out the information with your child from home, too!  Soon, our Book Creator projects will also be posted on the library page.

While working on both research projects, students have been learning how to pay attention to important details as they read, put different parts of the text together in their minds, and understand information from various text features.  Some of the text features that we have learned about are the table of contents, illustrations, captions, diagrams, labels, and glossaries.  We have been developing a deeper understanding of science concepts and important vocabulary words, such as predator, prey, camouflage, habitat, and adaptations.

Students are also learning and practicing important transferable skills, such as listening to their partners' ideas, sharing their ideas clearly, collaborating by sharing the work, managing their time, and taking care of materials.

We look forward to sharing our final animal group displays and Book Creator projects with you at our upcoming Celebration of Learning on Thursday, February 22nd!  This special event runs from 5:30 to 7:00 pm.