Grade Level(s):  5th grade

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

Learner Outcomes:

The students will:
1.  compare and contrast their endangered animal's habitat to at least two other habitats in the world.
2.  list factors of the animal's environment that directly affect the animal's endangered status.
3.  recognize changes that could be made to improve the animal's chances for survival.
4.  debate and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a zoo habitat.

Materials:

endangered animal journal
reference materials
posterboard
crayons/markers
Daily Summary Page
the Habitat Comparison Chart
the debate questions

Technology Tools/Courseware:  Internet, reference software

Teacher Notes:

1.  The teacher will need to review the Habitat Comparison Chart.
2.  The teacher needs to check all websites used today to make sure they are available.
3.  The teacher will need to review the concept of a debate with the students.
4.  The teacher will need to assign students into the two groups:  the Naturalists and the Zoologists.

1.  Students will take virtual tours of the San Diego Zoo, the National Zoo in Washington D.C., and the Denver Zoo to gain information on the habitats.
2.  Student groups will complete Habitat Comparison Charts together showing the differences between the habitat of their endangered animal and two other habitats.
3.  Teacher will begin to generate a class discussion (see debate questions for ideas) on the advantages and disadvantages of a zoo habitat.  List these on the board.
4.  Students will be divided into two groups:  The Naturalists and the Zoologists.
5.  These two groups will formulate their opinions on why the zoo environment or the natural environment is better for the animals on the debate questions sheet.
6.  The two groups will be prepared to debate this issue the next day.

Modifications:

1.  Check individual education plans to see if any additional changes need to be made for students.

1.  create a representational model of the habitat in which their animal lives (can be used in conjunction with the end of unit presentation).
2.  Locate your endangered animal in one of the zoos listed.  Calculate the distance your animal may have traveled to get from their natural environment to the zoo.

1.  Daily Summary Page
2.  Habitat Comparison Chart
3.  Endangered Animal Journal
4.  Debate

WV IGO's:
English/Language Arts:
5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.11, 5.12, 5.13, 5.16, 5.22, 5.23, 5.52, 5.53, 5.56, 5.62
Science:
5.10, 5.11, 5.13, 5.16, 5.17, 5.19, 5.62
Social Studies:
5.23, 5.31
Math:
5.23, 5.26
Art:
5.1, 5.2, 5.3

National Standards:

Geography Standard 1: Understands the characteristics and uses of maps, globes, and other geographic tools and technologies.
Writing Standard 1: Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process.
Science Standard 6: Understands relationships among organisms and their physical environment.
Art Standard 1: Understands and applies media, techniques, and processes related to the visual arts.
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.
 

Daily Summary Page
San Diego Zoo website
National Zoo website
Denver Zoo website
Habitat Comparison Charts
Debate questions