Animal Research

Our class found out a few weeks ago that they will be taking a field trip to the Detroit Zoo.  In preparation, we are taking time to learn about what we may see on our trip. 




We started by studying the map.  The children are already quite familiar with maps because of our unit previously.  This knowledge helped us understand the layout, animals, and what to expect.  We looked at the list of animals, the general layout, and figured out what to expect.




We wanted to learn everything we could!  But we didn't have the time (or the patience), so I had an idea.  What if we each took an animal, researched it, and then shared what we learned with the class?  I shared my thought with the children and they agreed it was a great idea.  From there we went to the Detroit Zoo website to see their official list of animals.  Which one did we want?

Then we used multiple resources to do research.  We looked at the zoo website, teacher tube, classroom bookshelves, Epic, and RAZ kids.  This helped us read all about the animal of our choice.  While reading we picked out information we thought was interesting.  We wrote it down.

It will take us at least another week to finish researching and recording before we start figuring out a way to present what we learned to the class.  Stay tuned!