This lesson is for : Grade 3:
Summary
Animals in captivity require specific attention to physical, social and behavioral needs. When we choose to take animals from their natural environment, it is our responsibility as global citizens to design enclosures that meet their needs. This PBL fuses research and the development of empathy toward animals and their humane treatment and conservation. The students are presented with an authentic task: “You will be taking the point of view of the animals to help persuade the zookeeper to build enclosures that are more suitable to your specific needs. As your chosen animal you will write an expository essay explaining the enclosure that they need, record a video as the animal using ChatterPix on the iPads, and build the enclosure that works best for your chosen animal.” Background is built using a relevant picture book and video clips. Students explore resources to make decisions about their path of research, and create questions utilizing Power Words from SOLs. Students then synthesize their learning and research in three ways. First, the students write an expository piece reflecting research they have conducted. Students then use their essay to create a persuasive video from the point of view of an animal of their choosing. The video advises the “zookeeper” about their needs and wants for their new enclosure. The students use a task sheet to plan what they will record, and use the iPad app ChatterPix to create their video. A 3D model of their animal’s enclosure with descriptive signage will be the third aspect.
TIPC Ratings
Research & Information Fluency
Rating: Ideal – Explanation: While the students were engaged in self selected research groups, by animal chosen, they gained new knowledge about their animal. Students then took this newly acquired knowledge from a variety of sources and synthesized their own product through the writing of an expository piece, creation of a video, and building of appropriate enclosure. The use of digital tools throughout the lesson was integrated seamlessly throughout the process. The teacher formatively assessed the students in number of ways using rubrics.
Communication & Collaboration
Rating: Ideal – Explanation: Through the use of formative assessment throughout the lesson the teacher was able to assess the level of communication and collaboration exhibited by the students. The students were pushed in many different ways to communicate and collaborate effectively by the teacher through facilitation. The students were able to choose their topic of research, and with that their team of research collaborators. Due to the fact that the students collaborating with one another were in different classrooms they were pushed to think of ways in which that could still collaborate effectively while working toward their collective goal. Through discussions following the culminating activities of the lesson students were prompted to reflect on their roles as communicators and collaborators throughout the lesson. They were also challenged to think how they could improve on this role.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Rating: Ideal – Explanation: During this lesson students were able to generate and respond to important questions that furthered their critical thinking and problem solving. Through the use of digital tools the students were able to solve their authentic task of researching an animal, writing an expository piece persuading a zookeeper to include their animal in the zoo, and creating an appropriate enclosure reflecting the needs and physical characteristics of their animal.
Creativity & Innovation
Rating: Ideal – Explanation: The students synthesized the new information gathered through research and collaboration as well as prior knowledge to create the new enclosure for their chosen animal. Through the lesson process students were able to develop creative and innovative ways for their animals to thrive in their new environment. The teacher acted as the facilitator, guiding the students through the creative process and helping them grow in countless ways.
Student Artifact
Lesson Materials
