Subject(s):  English/Language Arts, Social Studies, Science

Learner Outcomes:

The students will:

1.  gather information using many different types of resource materials to begin their investigation and research of their endangered animal.
2.  compile the information into categories in their endangered animal journals (i.e. habitat, location in the world, causes of endangerment, physical characteristics, pictures, diet, etc.).
3.  begin work on their endangered animal report planner (provided by the teacher).

Duration of Lesson:  35-45 minutes daily during week one of unit

Materials:

reference materials
maps
endangered species journals (individual journals used daily to store information compiled through research, experiments, and group work)
Daily Summary Page
Endangered Animal Report Planner
endangered animal journal checklist

Technology Tools/Courseware:  Internet, reference software (i.e. Encarta Encyclopedia)

Teacher Notes:

1.  Students will use Endangered Species journals throughout the duration of this unit and will refer to this journal as a reference guide and resource for the lessons.  This journal is an ongoing project throughout the instruction of the unit.
2.  During this unit, the Media Specialist will be working with the students to gather information and to facilitate the research process.
3.  Students will be grouped by the teacher heterogeneously.
4.  Teacher needs to review the endangered animal report planner with the students.
5.  Teacher needs to provide many different types of reference materials and teach students how to properly use them.
6.  Teacher will provide a Daily Summary Page for every student.

Procedures:

1.  Begin the lesson by reviewing the endangered animal report planner with the students.
2. Teacher will model the procedures for creating an endangered species journal and specify the contents of the journal.  (Title page, drawing of the animal, map to show location of the animal, copy of letter to wildlife organization, habitat, diet, causes of endangerment, etc.)
3.  The class will choose an endangered animal that is not in a group presentation and as an entire class activity, complete a sample journal entry to help them in their future research.
4. The class will discuss different types of resource materials and ways that they can be effectively used and review the Internet research procedures.
5.  Students will be given an example of the proper documentation that will be used to show the resources used in their research.
6.  The class will review proper procedures for group work.
7.  The groups will begin gathering information on their endangered animal using the different reference materials listed.

Modifications:

1.  Students with writing limitations could dictate their information.
2.  Check individual education plans to see if any additional changes need to be made for students.
3.  Group jobs/responsibilities should be appropriate for all group members.

1.  Students could write and create a story using their endangered animal as the main character.
2.  Students could create a drawing of their endangered animal using the Paint program.

1.  Individual Endangered Animal journal  (Daily Summary Page)
2.  Endangered Animal Report Planner
3.  All research done by the students will be compiled in their endangered animal journal and will be turned in to the teacher at the end of the unit with the endangered animal journal checklist completed
4.  Daily observation by the teacher

WV IGO's:

English/Language Arts:
5.12, 5.16, 5.22, 5.23, 5.26, 5.27, 5.52, 5.53, 5.54, 5.55, 5.56, 5.57, 5.61, 5.62
Science:
5.10, 5.11, 5.13, 5.16, 5.17, 5.19, 5.62
Social Studies:
5.31

National Standards:

Writing Standard 1: Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process.
Science Standard 6: Understands relationships among organisms and their physical environment.
Historical Understanding Standard 1: Understands and knows how to analyze chronological relationships and patterns.
Listening and Speaking Standard 8: Uses listening and speaking strategies for different purposes.
Reading Standard 5: Uses the general skills and strategies of the reading process.
 

www.abcteach.com
Daily Summary Page
Endangered Animal Report Planner
endangered animal journal checklist