Subjects:  Science, English Language Arts 

Learner Outcomes:

The class will contribute to a discussion about various kinds of animals and pets.  Lists of suggestions can be recorded on chart paper by a student or teacher.
Students will locate a book about their favorite animal in either the classroom library or the media center, and utilize to the Internet to find at least one fact about that animal.
Students will practice using their strategies for reading as they continue having D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) Time with a self-selected book.
Students will record the fact found on the Internet and share with the class orally about the animal in the selected book.
Students will listen attentively as others share facts about the books/animals they researched on the Internet.
Students will listen to the guest speaker and share animal facts and stories.

Materials: 

• Books
• Strategies Reminder Card

Technology Tools: 

Computer/Internet
Printer

Teacher Notes: 

Each student must have an Acceptable Use Policy on file.
Provide a selection of books about many different kinds of animals, either in the classroom library or media center.
Invite a local veterinarian to the classroom.

1. The children will discuss various favorite animals as a student or teacher makes a list of suggestions.
2. Once each child has made a choice of  their favorite animal, each child will have the opportunity to select a book related to that animal.  If the classroom library is not adequate, allow students to visit the media center. 
3. The children will read their selection using the Strategies Reminder Card.
4. The children will use familiar search engines to find at least one fact about their favorite animal and print or record the fact on paper.
5. Upon completion of the assignment, the children will sit in a circle on the floor and take turns sitting in the author's chair.  Each child will share their favorite animal, the fact found on the Internet and something about the story they read, as the others listen.
6. The children will ask for questions or comments about his/her published work.
7. The children will listen to the veterinarian and discuss different animals.

Modifications:  Teacher will consult IEP and 504 plans for individual modifications. Special needs students may be teamed with more independent students to find their favorite animal on the Internet.

Enrichment Activities: 

1. Have students type reports from the Internet about a favorite animal, print and publish.
2. Students who can work independently can assemble the reports into a Favorite Animal class book.
3. Have students utilize the Paint program and draw their favorite animal.

Evaluation/Assessment: 

1. Display each child's book and fact page in the classroom for viewing by the class.
2. Child uses D.E.A.R. Strategies when he or she comes to a word(s) he doesn't know.

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives:
English Language Arts: 
Listening/Speaking/Viewing:  1.6, 1.7, 1.12, 1.13
Reading Comprehension:  1.20, 1.26, 1.29
Reading Vocabulary:  1.41, 1.51, 1.58
Computer/Technology:  1.113, 1.117

Science:
Nature of Science:  1.2, 1.5, 1.66
Science/Technology/Society:  1.66

National Standards: 
Language Arts:
Reading:  5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.8, 6.1, 6.4, 6.5, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4
Listening and Speaking:  8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.6, 8.8
Science:
Life Sciences:  6.1, 6.2, 7.2
 

References: 

National Geographic
Amazon.com
Discovery School
SanDiego Zoo
Kidworld 2000-Kids and Aquariums
The Electronic Zoo
National Zoo
ZooNet for Kids
 
 

Overview

Lesson 1

Lesson 2

Lesson 3

Lesson 4

Lesson 5