The start of animal research

Through the school year, the children have become great scientists.  They have used tools, practiced experiments, investigated and solved problems, and done some research.  In order to prepare for an end of the year field trip, they were going to put their skills and understanding of research to use.  Individualized research has been something they have not done yet.  As a class we have focused on the same research questions and worked individually or as small groups to answer it.  Each child now will be picking a zoo animal of their choice and learning whatever they want to learn about it.

Step 1:  Choosing an animal from the Detroit Zoo

The plan is to go to the zoo at the end of the year.  In order to be prepared, each child can choose an animal and research it.  That way they can share their "expert" knowledge with the class before we go to the zoo.  Each child looked at the list of animals and choose one.

Step 2:  Start research


I started small by giving each child a book for them to fill in blanks.  This got them thinking about what else they would want to know.

 



















Step 3 coming soon!