Animal
Research Project!
This
project is an integrated assignment covering science, writing, and reading
curriculum. It is to be worked on at school through research and writing. The final published typed piece will be
completed at home and school on Utah Compose.
The project consists of a written research paper, and a visual. This
packet will describe the expectations for all students. I will initial it as
well when I see the item that is due. Please have fun with this project!
Step 1:
ANIMAL
You
may choose your animal from the picture cards in class. The animal must be a native Utah animal,
reptile or amphibian.
Step 2:
RESEARCH
Begin
researching your animal. We will have time to do this at school, but students
may also wish to do additional research at home. You must have a minimum of
three resources. The resources must include the following:
1. A
nonfiction science book. Students may choose a short, specific book on their
animal or a book with an article/chapter on their animal.
2. An
Internet website of your choice. You will have some time during class to do
research, but some will need to be done at home. All of these sites are linked
off of our 4th Grade Resources page on the school website. Suggested
sites include:
http://a-z-animals.com
http://www.animals.geographic.com
http://a-z-animals.com
http://www.animals.geographic.com
http://www.kidsites.com/sites-edu/animals.htm
http://kids.britannica.com
http://a-z-animals.com
nhptv.org
http://kids.britannica.com
http://a-z-animals.com
nhptv.org
3. The
final resource may be of your own choosing. You might find information from
another book, website, scientific magazine or encyclopedia.
The
sources need to be recorded on an index card. Students will receive guides on
how sources should look on the index cards. You should also keep sources for any
printed pictures of your animal and its habitat.
DONT FORGET TO WRITE DOWN THE NAMES OF EACH RESOURCE!
Step 3:
REPORT
Once
you have gathered your information, you must begin writing your report. Your
report should be organized as follows: (Please double check to be sure that all
of the information is included!) Your report will be typed.
Title
Page: Include a title, your name, and a picture or drawing of your
animal
• Write
about the features or interesting facts about your animal. You should give
information regarding whether the animal is a vertebrate or invertebrate, and
if it is a mammal, reptile, etc. What are the characteristics of that group of
animals?
• Describe
the habitat your animal lives in (wetlands, forest, mountains)
• Describe
what food is available to your animal in its habitat and how it gets and eats
its food.
• Describe
different ways your animal has adapted its body or lifestyle to survive in its
habitat (camouflage, mimicry, is it a learned behavior or an inherited
behavior, is it a body adaptation or a behavioral adaptation, etc.). What are the animal DEFENSE MECHANISMS?
• Describe
the way your animal reproduces (lays eggs, has babies, etc.) as well as they
way it takes care of its young.
Bibliography:
List your resources (on a separate page, titled bibliography)
Step 4:
VISUAL AID
Choose
one of the following visual aids to accompany your report:
Cool
Collage
• Create
a collage showing pictures or 3-D items that relate to your animal and the
research you found.
Picture
Book
• Create
a short picture book, including illustrations, about your animal. The purpose
of your book is to encourage younger students to learn about your animal.
Remember to include an eye-catching cover.
Animal
Planet Reporter
• Pretend
you are a reporter from Animal Planet presenting a segment on your animal.
Write a short script to help you decide what you will report on. Then, video
your newscast. Remember to share the most interesting facts about your animal.
PowerPoint
• Create
a PowerPoint presentation to outline the information in your report. Make your
presentation exciting by adding pictures, animation, and a cool background.
Step 5:
GALLERY WALK
Students
will have their written report and visual aid on their desk while one third of
the class walks around and visits their peers. They should be expected to give
a quick 2-minute explanation of their animal and visual aid. Practice for your
oral presentation at the gallery walk. Your report and your visual aid will
help you as you tell the audience about your animal.
Checklist
Date
|
Assignment
|
Student Initials
|
Teacher Initials
|
Animal Chosen
|
|||
Intro Paragraph-rough
draft
|
|||
Habitat Paragraph-rough
draft
|
|||
Diet/Food Paragraph-rough
draft
|
|||
Adaptations Paragraph-rough
draft
|
|||
Reproduction Paragraph-rough
draft due
|
|||
Final Report & Visual
Aid Due
|
