Wetlands Activities: Wetland Animal Research

Lesson 6

Unit:

Wetlands

Lesson:

Wetland Animal Research

Instructional Goal:

Students will learn research and writing process skills by studying about a particular animal of the wetland area.

Materials:

Research guide (questions you want them to find focus on); books, encyclopedias, CD ROMS or other resources to acquire information; computer for word processing; binding equipment for class book

Procedure:

Have students decide whether they would like to work independently, with a partner or in a small group.

Provide a list of animals from the wetland area and have students sign name or group name next to the animal of their choice.

Decide on a basic list of questions about the animals before the students begin to help guide them through their research. Create a research guide for recording information. Allow space for additional or other interesting information for those who are more advanced.

Allow several class periods for students to research.

Add any new vocabulary to word wall.

Explain to students how to turn their questions/answers into telling sentences about their animal. Allow students time for writing their first drafts.

Conference with each student/group of students about first drafts for thoroughness and clarity. Then, check for spelling, capitals, grammar, etc.

Allow students to write a second draft and proofread once more.

Give students the opportunity to type their reports on the computer and print in the font of their choice.

Mount the final copies for each student to keep. Compile a book with another copy to display in the room or share with other classes or grade levels. Illustrations would also be great to include in the book!

Have students report to the class. (Another option is to videotape the presentations and check the tape out to children to share at home with families!)

Students can respond in journals after each report about something they learned or found interesting.

Assessment:

Research guide completion, writing process, final paper, cooperation in groups, presentation quality

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