Animal Investigations

Our next lesson focused on learning more about the animals.  Students split into their designated animal groups and began learning and investigating facts about their animal.  Students were able to use a variety of different channels to access their information.  They used resources such as websites, videos, pictures and books to understand more about what each animal looks like, what they eat, and where they live.  Parent volunteers came into our classroom and helped students mold and make their animals with model magic clay. 

 

Each group was so excited and engaged while learning about these new animals and their habitats.  I can see the students really absorbing the information because they have been journaling and drawing pictures about their animals during free time and have really embraced the unit with open arms and open minds!

Here are facts my students shared with me about what they have learned…

“Marine iguanas have long tails to help them swim.”

“Giant tortoises eat cactus.”

“Blue footed boobies are not born with blue feet.”

“Sea lions are excellent swimmers.”

Galapagos Animal Unit Kick-off

Today I introduced my Galapagos Animal Unit with my students and I could not be more excited!  I started the lesson with a brief discussion about my trip to the Galapagos Islands and then showed pictures of the animals I saw on each island.  I had previously made a photobook with pictures from the trip, so I was able to show my students REAL pictures Miss Barry REALLY took with her REAL camera (their jaws hit the rug). 

Then I read the book We’re Sailing to Galapagos, A Week in the Pacific by Laurie Krebs.  This is a wonderful picture book with fun rhymes and beautifully collaged illustrations.  Students were engaged instantly and wanted to know more about each animal.  Next week each student will be working in a small group and the focus will be on learning about one specific animal.  I have prepared a variety of learning channels such as books, videos, websites, and pictures to teach them more about their animal. 

But today we focused on voting on which animal they wanted to explore more about.  Each student wrote their name on a post-it note and then put their name on one animal.  They were basically popping out of their seats to vote!  I can already feel the energy from my students about this exciting investigation about the Galapagos animals.