Habitat Hooray: Diorama Safari Adventure!

High School Grade

Project
4 weeks

Habitat Hooray: Diorama Safari Adventure!

Amy E Webb

Purpose

Students will explore how various animals adapt to their environments by engaging in a hands-on project to create dioramas that represent different animal habitats. Throughout this four-week project, students will collaborate in small groups to research specific habitats and the unique adaptations of animals within those environments. They will present their findings and dioramas at an open house event, inviting parents and community members to engage with their work and learn from their discoveries. This project fosters critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills, providing students with a deeper understanding of ecological relationships and adaptation strategies.

Learning goals

Students will investigate and analyze how various animals have adapted to survive in their specific habitats. They will collaborate to create detailed dioramas that accurately represent these habitats, showcasing their understanding of the relationship between animals and their environments. Through this project, students will develop research skills, engage in creative problem-solving, and effectively communicate their findings to the community during an open house event.

Standards

NGSS - HS-LS2-8: Evaluate the evidence for the role of group behavior on individual and species’ chances to survive and reproduce.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate.

Products

Students will research a specific animal and its habitat, then create a detailed diorama that showcases the animal's environment and adaptations. They will compile a research report that includes their findings on how the animal's physical and behavioral traits help it survive. As part of the exhibition, students will present their dioramas and reports to parents during an open house, engaging them in discussions about their learning process and discoveries.

Launch

Begin the project with a visit to a local zoo or wildlife sanctuary, where students can observe a variety of animals in their habitats and take notes on their behaviors and adaptations. Following the visit, students will engage in a group brainstorming session to discuss their observations and begin identifying specific animals and habitats they want to focus on for their diorama projects. This immersive experience will set the stage for deeper inquiry into how animals adapt to their environments.

Exhibition

Students will create detailed dioramas showcasing a chosen animal's habitat, highlighting the specific adaptations that enable survival in that environment. These dioramas will be displayed during an open house event, where students will present their projects to parents and community members, explaining the connections between the animals' physical and behavioral traits and their habitats. This exhibition will allow students to engage with the community, sharing their insights and fostering a deeper understanding of ecological relationships.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Zoo/Wildlife Sanctuary Visit: Observe various animals in their habitats, noting physical features and behaviors.	Group Brainstorming: Discuss observations from the visit and identify animals and habitats of interest for research.	Research Teams Formation: Form small groups and assign specific animals and habitats to each group for in-depth study.	Research Skills Workshop: Learn how to gather information from credible sources, including books, articles, and online resources.	Initial Research Session: Begin gathering information about assigned animals' physical and behavioral adaptations and their habitats.
Deliverables	1. List of Observations: Compile observations from the zoo visit, focusing on animal behaviors and adaptations. 2. Research Plan: Outline the research focus, including key questions and potential sources of information.
Preparation	1. Coordinate and schedule the zoo or wildlife sanctuary visit, ensuring appropriate permissions and transportation. 2. Prepare materials for the research skills workshop, including guides on evaluating sources and note-taking strategies. 3. Create group assignments based on student interests and ensure balanced group sizes. 4. Gather and organize reference materials, including books, articles, and online resources, for student research.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Research Deep Dive: In groups, students continue their research by delving deeper into their assigned animal's specific adaptations and how these adaptations aid survival in their habitats.	Diorama Planning: Students sketch a plan for their diorama, identifying key elements to include such as terrain, vegetation, and the animal itself, along with its adaptations.	Material Sourcing: Groups create a list of materials needed for their dioramas, considering both natural and craft materials that accurately represent their habitat.	Collaborative Feedback: Facilitate a peer review session where groups present their diorama plans and receive constructive feedback from classmates to refine their ideas.	Research Report Drafting: Each group begins drafting a detailed report summarizing their research findings, focusing on their animal's adaptations and the ecosystem dynamics within their habitat.
Deliverables	1. Detailed Diorama Plan: A comprehensive sketch and outline of the diorama, including a list of required materials. 2. Initial Research Report Draft: A written document summarizing the group's research findings, to be refined in subsequent weeks.
Preparation	1. Provide access to additional research resources such as library books, academic journals, and credible online databases. 2. Gather a variety of craft supplies and natural materials, ensuring availability for students to begin diorama construction. 3. Develop a peer review rubric to guide students in providing and receiving constructive feedback. 4. Organize a schedule for group presentations and peer feedback sessions.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Diorama Construction: Students start building their dioramas using the materials sourced, focusing on accurately depicting the animal's habitat and adaptations.	Research Report Revision: Groups refine their initial drafts based on peer and teacher feedback, ensuring clarity and depth in explaining the animal's adaptations.	Visual and Textual Elements: Students create labels and informational text for their dioramas, highlighting key features and adaptations for exhibition.	Presentation Skills Workshop: Engage in activities to develop public speaking and presentation skills, preparing for the open house event.	Peer Review and Refinement: Conduct another round of peer feedback focusing on both the diorama and the report's coherence and thoroughness.
Deliverables	1. Completed Diorama: A detailed and accurate representation of the chosen animal's habitat and adaptations. 2. Revised Research Report: A polished document that clearly communicates the group's findings on the animal's adaptations and habitat.
Preparation	1. Ensure all craft materials and tools are available and organized for diorama construction. 2. Prepare guidelines and templates for creating informative labels and textual elements for the dioramas. 3. Develop a workshop agenda focusing on effective presentation techniques and public speaking skills. 4. Organize time slots for peer review sessions and provide criteria to guide constructive feedback. 5. Set up a space for diorama construction, ensuring it is conducive to creativity and collaboration.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Final Touches on Dioramas: Students finalize their diorama construction, ensuring all elements are securely in place and visually appealing.	Presentation Rehearsals: Practice presenting the dioramas and research reports, focusing on clear communication and engaging storytelling.	Open House Preparation: Set up the exhibition space, arranging dioramas and informational texts for optimal viewing and interaction.	Open House Event: Students present their dioramas and research findings to parents and community members, engaging in discussions and answering questions.	Reflection and Feedback Session: Conduct a class discussion to reflect on the project process and gather feedback on both the experience and learning outcomes.
Deliverables	1. Polished Diorama and Informational Display: A completed diorama with labels and text ready for exhibition. 2. Presentation Performance: A confident and articulate presentation of their project during the open house. 3. Reflection Notes: Personal reflections on the learning experience and peer feedback.
Preparation	1. Organize the exhibition space, ensuring it is welcoming and accessible for visitors. 2. Coordinate with parents and community members to confirm attendance and involvement in the open house. 3. Prepare a schedule for presentation slots during the open house to ensure smooth transitions between groups. 4. Gather feedback forms for parents and community members to provide input on the exhibition. 5. Set up a reflection and feedback session framework to facilitate meaningful discussion post-exhibition.