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4th Grade  Project 4 weeks

Wild Whiz: Adaptation Adventure!

郭玲
CCSS.Math.Content.4.MD.C.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.3
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.6
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.2
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.5
+ 5 more
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Purpose

Students will engage in a dynamic exploration of animal adaptations, connecting scientific concepts to real-world survival strategies. Through hands-on activities, storytelling, and creative expression, students will deepen their understanding of how animals thrive in diverse environments. This project fosters critical thinking, effective communication, and self-directed learning, culminating in a community exhibition that showcases their discoveries and personal growth.

Learning goals

Students will explore and understand various animal adaptations and their roles in survival, aligning with the essential question, "What helps an animal survive?" They will develop skills in critical thinking and problem-solving by designing and building models of imaginary animals with unique adaptations. Through creating storybooks and documentaries, students will enhance their effective communication skills and content expertise. The project will also foster self-directed learning and academic mindset as students engage in reflection, peer feedback, and revisions.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.4.MD.C.7 - Recognize angle measure as additive. When an angle is decomposed into non-overlapping parts, the angle measure of the whole is the sum of the angle measures of the parts. Solve addition and subtraction problems to find unknown angles on a diagram in real world and mathematical problems, e.g., by using an equation with a symbol for the unknown angle measure.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.3 - Evaluate a speaker's point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.6 - Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.2 - Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.5 - Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.

Products

Students will create a short storybook about an animal's adaptations, illustrating how these adaptations aid in survival. They will also produce a documentary-style video acting as wildlife reporters, explaining various animal adaptations. Additionally, students will design and build models of imaginary animals with unique adaptations during the Creature Creation Workshop. The final products will be showcased in a Wildlife Gallery Walk, where students present their storybooks, videos, and models to parents and younger students.

Launch

Kick off the project with a "Creature Creation Workshop," where students use art supplies to design and build models of imaginary animals with unique adaptations. This hands-on activity will stimulate creativity and introduce students to the concept of survival mechanisms in the animal kingdom. Encourage students to think about how their creature's adaptations help it survive in its environment, setting the stage for deeper exploration of real-world animal adaptations throughout the project.

Exhibition

Transform the classroom into a 'Wildlife Gallery Walk' where students' reflection art projects and storybooks are showcased in a gallery-like setting. Invite parents and younger students to explore the exhibit, engaging with the creative displays. Students will be stationed at their projects to discuss their work, answer questions, and share insights into the animal adaptations they've studied.