This lesson is for : Grade 3:
Summary
This real-world project charges students to become conservation scientists who collaborate with other scientists to research, write a report, and present the report using a media display about an endangered or threatened animal.
The Endangered Animal Report is primarily informational, but includes a persuasive appeal in the closing to get the audience interested in wanting to save the endangered animal. Students must first analyze information to determine what needs to be included in the report. The information they gather is recorded on a data chart, then used to write a short report. Once the report has been completed and reviewed with the teacher, students construct a media display to visually enhance and help the audience understand key points of their presentations.
In addition to students honing their research and writing skills, and working collaboratively together, these projects help students understand that human actions can affect, in both positive and negative ways, the survival of another animal species.
TIPC Ratings
Research & Information Fluency
Rating: Ideal – Explanation: Students needed to find and select three appropriate sources, organize relevant data, write a short report and use a virtual display as a visual (including optional video links) to go with their presentations. Although I gave students predetermined questions to guide their research for the body of the report. The students had to select information for the opening and closing parts of the report in addition to new vocabulary words to teach the audience in order to better comprehend the reports.
Communication & Collaboration
Rating: Developing – Explanation: Teacher selected groups based on ability and personalities. Students were directly instructed to use a data chart, report template, and media tool.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Rating: Developing – Explanation: Students worked collaboratively for this first research project to find suitable sources, relevant information, and possible solutions to save their assigned endangered animal.
Creativity & Innovation
Rating: Developing – Explanation: Teacher provided examples, using the Vanishing Frog video and Environmentalism: How You Can Make A Difference book, of possible solutions that might help endangered animals survive, as well as led class discussions about how we can make a difference (ie. like not buying souvenir alligator heads, fur coats, etc.). Students need to consider the circumstances of their endangered animal and consider possible solutions for its survival.
Student Artifact
Lesson Materials
