This project invites third-grade students to explore the concepts of camouflage, identity, justice, and visibility through hands-on learning and creative expression. Students will engage with the essential question, "Is it better to stand out or blend in?" by examining animal habitats and adaptations, and reflecting on human experiences of blending in and standing out. Through collaboration with community partners, students will develop observation skills and empathy, culminating in the creation of an original animal and a two-voice poem that articulate their understanding of these themes. This project fosters critical thinking, creativity, and social-emotional learning in a supportive environment.
Learning goals
Students will explore the concept of camouflage and visibility by examining animal habitats and adaptations, as well as historical and cultural examples of blending in and standing out. They will develop observation skills through a camouflage simulation notebook, and apply their understanding by creating an original animal designed for survival. Through collaboration with community partners, students will engage in social-emotional learning and poetic expression, culminating in a two-voice poem that articulates perspectives on identity and justice. The project aims to foster critical thinking, creativity, and empathy, encouraging students to reflect on their own identities and the importance of visibility in their lives.
Standards
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.1: Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 3 topics and texts.
NGSS - 3-LS4-3: Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
Products
Students will design an original animal that incorporates unique camouflage adaptations for survival, showcasing their understanding of habitats and natural camouflage strategies. Additionally, they will craft a two-voice poem that explores the concepts of blending in and standing out from both an animal and human perspective. These products will be shared during an exhibition for the school community, family, and friends, highlighting the students' creativity and critical thinking.
Launch
Begin the project with a dynamic class discussion that explores the concepts of camouflage and visibility. Use real-world examples from nature, such as the chameleon or octopus, to illustrate how animals use camouflage for survival. Encourage students to share their thoughts on how these ideas might apply to human experiences of identity and justice. Introduce the essential question, "Is it better to stand out or blend in?" and have students brainstorm initial thoughts and questions. This sets the stage for deeper exploration and engagement throughout the project.
Exhibition
Students will showcase their original animal designs and two-voice poems in a lively exhibition for the school community, family, and friends. The event will feature interactive stations where attendees can explore the camouflage simulation notebooks, engage with students about their creative process, and learn about the habitats and adaptations of the animals. The exhibition will also include a poetry reading session, where students perform their two-voice poems, highlighting the themes of blending in and standing out from both animal and human perspectives.
