Gold Seal Lesson:
Be A Zoologist

Copernicus Education Gateway

 

Subject:

Science

Grade:

 

 

K-4

 

 

ICLE Standards:

 

 

Develop an understanding about scientific inquiry.

Develop an understanding of the characteristics of organisms and their environments.

 

 

Performance Task:

 

 

Zoologists frequently use common characteristics to classify animals. 

In small cooperative groups, list as many vertebrates and invertebrates as you can in the time provided. 

Now, on the chalkboard, make a list of all those vertebrates and invertebrates that have been identified by the different groups. 

Now choose one vertebrate and one invertebrate. Use any available materials to create an original representation of your two choices in their natural habitats. 

Construct a poster of your vertebrate and invertebrate. The poster must have a sketch of the animal and contain the following information: type of animal (vertebrate or invertebrate); cold blooded or warm blooded; specific group name characteristics (metamorphosis, regeneration, or camouflage); method of reproduction; eating habits; geographical location; any other information you think worth listing. 

Construct a classroom zoo containing all the animals that your class has made. Choose one vertebrate and one invertebrate, other than your own, from the zoo.

In your science journal, compare and contrast the characteristics of two animals chosen, using the information on the posters constructed.

 

 

Knowledge / Skills:

 

 

Plan and apply real or hypothetical models and constructions to facilitate investigation and learning and the solution to practical problems.  (s115)

Know the characteristics, roles, and divisions of complex organisms.  (s30)

Use writing as a tool for learning in formats such as learning logs, laboratory reports, note-taking, and journals.  (ela40)

 

 

Rubric:

 

 

Score each of the following components of the task on a 4 to 0 basis, where

  • 4 = Meets all criteria at a very high level

  • 3 = Meets all criteria at a satisfactory level

  • 2 = Meets only some criteria at a satisfactory level

  • 1 = Meets only a few criteria at a satisfactory level

  • 0 = Does not meet any criteria at a satisfactory level

Score
____ Working in small group to identify, cooperate, and contributes vertebrates and invertebrates to the group effort.
____ Creation of an original representation.
____ Neatness of construction, two animals in their natural habitats.
____ Use of available materials.
____ Scientific accuracy of representations.
____ Poster Attractiveness and neatness.
____ Completeness of information.
____ Accuracy of information .
____ Entry in science journal .
____ One vertebrate and one invertebrate compared and contrasted.
____ Thoroughness of comparisons.

 

 

 

Keywords:

 

 

LIFE SCIENCE
CLASSIFICATION
MODELS & CONSTRUCTIONS
JOURNAL

 

 

Grades:

 

 

Kg [X] - 1 [X] - 2 [X] - 3 [X] - 4 [X] - 5 [] - 6 [] - 7 [] - 8 [] - 9 [] - 10 [] - 11 [] - 12 []

 

 

ICLE Application:

 

 

D

 

 

 

 

 

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