"Habitat Hunt: Explore the Animal World!"

All grades Project 3 weeks

"Habitat Hunt: Explore the Animal World!"

Jamie A

LS2.2.2

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.5

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.4

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.6

Self Directed Learning

+ 5 more

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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to immerse students in the exploration of animal habitats, fostering a deeper understanding of how organisms meet their needs and adapt to their environments. Through hands-on projects like multimedia books and dioramas, students will engage in critical thinking, collaboration, and creative expression. By connecting with community partners and participating in interactive activities, students will develop essential skills in communication, self-directed learning, and problem-solving, while gaining insights into the interconnectedness of ecosystems.

Learning goals

Students will explore and document the unique needs and adaptations of animals and plants within various habitats, developing a deep understanding of how these organisms survive and thrive. They will create multimedia books and dioramas that highlight the seasonal changes and survival strategies of their chosen habitats. Through interactive exhibits and presentations, students will refine their communication skills and engage with diverse audiences, fostering collaboration and critical thinking. The project will culminate in a Habitat Expo, where students will showcase their knowledge and creative work to peers and community members.

Standards

[Colorado] LS2.2.2 - A range of different organisms lives in different places.
[Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.5 - With guidance and support from adults, demonstrate understanding of word relationships and nuances in word meanings.
[Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.4 - Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.
[Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.6 - Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, including those that signal precise actions, emotions, or states of being (e.g., quizzed, whined, stammered) and that are basic to a particular topic (e.g., wildlife, conservation, and endangered when discussing animal preservation).

Competencies

Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Effective Communicator - Engages diverse audiences respectfully by exchanging ideas and information responsibly, listening actively, speaking and writing clearly, and using print and digital media appropriately.
Productive Collaborator - Engages with others to achieve a common goal through building positive relationships, actively listening, showing empathy, and making individual contributions to a larger group.
Critical Thinker - Thinks deeply and makes informed decisions to create solutions or new understanding supported by relevant and reliable evidence.

Products

Students will create a multimedia book using Book Creator to document their research on animal habitats, incorporating illustrations, videos, and written descriptions of survival features and adaptations. They will also design and construct a diorama that showcases a specific animal habitat, highlighting seasonal changes and animal adaptation strategies. These projects will culminate in a 'Habitat Expo,' where students present interactive exhibits of their dioramas, explaining the survival features and adaptations to peers and community members.

Launch

Kick off the learning experience with a 'Virtual Safari,' where students embark on an online exploration of a virtual zoo, observing different animal habitats and their unique adaptations. This engaging tour will set the stage for the project by sparking curiosity and providing a foundational understanding of diverse ecosystems. Follow up with a 'Survival Challenge,' where students participate in interactive games that simulate the survival strategies of various animals, fostering an immersive and hands-on introduction to the concepts of adaptation and habitat.

Exhibition

Students will present their dioramas and multimedia books at the 'Habitat Expo,' an interactive event where they engage with peers, teachers, and community members. Each student will host an exhibit, explaining the survival features and adaptations of their chosen animal habitat. The event will include live demonstrations and interactive elements, such as virtual tours and hands-on activities, to enhance understanding and engagement.

Learning Journey

Project Activities

Days 1 - 12

Milestone Activities

No activities have been added to this phase yet.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Virtual Safari Exploration Activity (Deprecated)	Survival Challenge Game Activity (Deprecated) Habitat Brainstorm Activity (Deprecated)	Animal Needs Research Activity (Deprecated) Multimedia Book Planning Activity (Deprecated)	Diorama Design Introduction Activity (Deprecated) Habitat Selection & Initial Sketches Activity (Deprecated)
Preparation

Week 2	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Research and Note-taking Activity (Deprecated)	Illustrating Animal Habitats Activity (Deprecated)	Multimedia Book Creation Activity (Deprecated)	Peer Review and Feedback Activity (Deprecated)
Preparation

Week 3	Day 9	Day 10	Day 11	Day 12
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Final Diorama Construction Activity (Deprecated) Multimedia Book Editing Activity (Deprecated)	Diorama Presentation Practice Activity (Deprecated) Exhibit Setup Activity (Deprecated)	Final Exhibit Preparations Activity (Deprecated) Peer Feedback Session Activity (Deprecated)	Habitat Expo Activity (Deprecated)
Preparation