Kim Moore Westwood Hills Elementary Summer 2010

 You are now a Forest Ranger! Students will investigate and understand the key concepts of adaptations, habitats, and the influences of human activity on our ecosystem. Students will be assigned a native Virginia forest animal, research, document, and report findings by creating an animal brochure. Students will work collaboratively within a small group to create a PowerPoint slide that includes a picture of their animal, its habitat, and an adaptation.

Essential Question: How do we survive in everyday life? Unit Questions:  Why are animal habitats important?  How do certain Virginia animals live and survive in their habitats?  Do animals adapt to all types of habitats?  How does human activity impact ecosystems?

Content Questions:  What is adaptation?  How does your native Virginia animal adapt to it’s habitat?  What is a survival behavior/adaptation?  What are two behaviors of your animal?  What does your animal need to survive?

The student will: -learn how adaptation relates to habitats through a project-based learning environment -independently research an animal(internet), and document findings on a research organizer -write an animal report on findings using a brochure template -collaboratively work within a small group to create a PowerPoint presentation -create a slide that includes a picture of their animal, its habitat, and an adaptation -collaboratively share information of the animal assigned -create a diorama of their animal and its habitat

-Design activities that will guide students to explore and expand their knowledge of different animal adaptations & habitats -Adapt assessments to meet individual needs/IEP goals -Increase skills in order to incorporate more technology into my lesson plans

Gauging student needs: Teacher questioning KWL chart to gauge prior knowledge Vocabulary worksheet Ongoing assessments: Informal observations Research organizer Teacher-student conferencing Final assessments: Animal brochure(oral report) Power point presentation

Explore and expand student learning of different animal adaptations and habitats using technology to report findings Give students a more independent role in their own learning Use technology to develop research and writing skills Students will work collaboratively to share information about different animals and habitats using technology and oral presentations

Any ideas to improve my unit will be greatly appreciated. I want to make sure my CFQ’s are incorporated into my activities.