My Students

“Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and better in every way.” – John Muir This project will integrate science, technology, engineering, art, and math in helping students to understand the animals around us.

My first graders love to learn, even more, they love to learn about their community and the animals that live in it.

We are so lucky to have our school right on the mountain. We have seen bald eagles flying overhead and deer playing on our playground. I want my first graders to understand the animals that live in the mountains around us by having them observe the animals they see using binoculars and notebooks. We will also use books and our class computers and other technology to research the animals. My students will learn about how to build using trial and error, starting with a scale model. They will learn how to work in a group to create something that would take them, individually, much longer. Once they have built their animals, students will write up their research, and paint a canvas like their animal. We will invite other classes and parents to come visit our 1st grade zoo where others will learn about the animals we have been researching.

My Project

I will help students make groups to learn more about their animal, using the toner to print information and pictures of the animals. They will use their knowledge of 3D shapes to draw a rough sketch of how they would build their animal. Once they have drawn it, they will build a model of the basic 3D shapes using Model Magic. They'll put the shapes together to see if it creates their animal. Using communication and problem solving skills, my students will then adjust their model to be more lifelike. Using what they learned from the model, my students (with the help of adults) will then use the cardboard, tape, and grommets to build a life size replica of their animal. Throughout the process, I will help guide them to create a more life-like animal. I will also have each student paint a canvas of their animal, including the background of the habitat. I selected each of the materials I am asking for to help us through our process. We will ask local businesses for the cardboard.

This process will take place over a few weeks' time as a end of year project.

It will integrate what they have learned throughout the year into a zoo they can invite their friends and parents to. They will share their artwork, research, and life-like animal to show their knowledge. Throughout this process, my students will be able to work as groups to build not only the end project, but important life-long skills of communication and team work.