1-Pager
1st Grade  Project 6 weeks

Animal Power: Stay Safe & Strong!

Jung C
1-LS1-1
K-2.AG.7.1
1-LS1-2
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to immerse first-grade students in a hands-on exploration of animal survival strategies, fostering an understanding of how animals use their bodies and behaviors to thrive in their environments. Through designing games, creating murals, and building protection kits, students will engage in critical thinking and problem-solving, while connecting with community partners to learn about wildlife conservation. This experience aims to cultivate self-directed learning and academic mindset, encouraging students to reflect on their role in protecting animals and their habitats.

Learning goals

Students will explore how animals use their bodies and behaviors to survive, focusing on the adaptation strategies that enable them to stay safe and strong in their environments. They will develop problem-solving skills by designing solutions to protect wildlife, applying their understanding of animal survival tactics. Through collaboration and reflection, students will build self-directed learning skills, fostering a sense of identity and belonging as they engage with community partners and showcase their projects.
Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 1-LS1-1 - Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] K-2.AG.7.1 - Some things stay the same while other things change.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 1-LS1-2 - Read texts and use media to determine patterns in behavior of parents and offspring that help offspring survive.
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.

Products

Students will create a 'Habitat Exploration Game' that challenges players to navigate different animal habitats and learn about survival strategies. They will also collaborate on a mural depicting various animals in their natural habitats, showcasing survival techniques, to be displayed during the 'Animal Survival Showcase.' Additionally, students will design and build a 'Wildlife Protection Kit' using recycled materials, crafting tools or devices to help animals stay safe in their habitats, such as shelters or camouflage devices.

Launch

Begin the project with an 'Animal Adventure Day,' where students rotate through interactive stations simulating various animal habitats and survival challenges. Activities might include building a nest, camouflaging like a chameleon, or navigating obstacles like a squirrel. This immersive experience will spark curiosity and excitement, setting the stage for deeper exploration into how animals survive and thrive.

Exhibition

Host an 'Animal Survival Showcase' where students present their collaborative mural, board game, and Wildlife Protection Kits to parents, peers, and representatives from a local wildlife rescue organization. Students will share insights on how animals stay safe and strong in their habitats, demonstrating their understanding through interactive presentations and hands-on exhibits. The showcase will include stations where attendees can engage with the students' creations, ask questions, and learn more about the importance of wildlife protection.