Animal Trackers

Animal Trackers

A WebQuest for 2nd Grade (Science/Language Arts)

Introduction

The Oak Grove Zoo is planning a new exhibit of endangered animals. Upon entering this web page, you have become an official Animal Tracker of endangered animals. Your mission is to track a specific endangered animal, observe it in its natural habitat, and determine what that animal would need to survive in the new exhibit at the Oak Grove Zoo. Your team will need to present your research to the Zoo Planning Committee in order that they will be able to provide an appropriate habitat for your animal's survival.

The Task

As a team you will need to research your animal using web sites, reference and other nonfiction books, and any other available sources. Your team will prepare a report which will include a picture of your animal in its habitat. You will also prepare a Power Point presentation of key points about your animal and your animal's picture and will share this information with the Zoo Planning Committee.

The Process

1. You will be assigned to a team of 2 to 3 students.
2. Your team will choose an animal from the following list:

Crocodile
Jaguar
African elephant
Tiger
Rhinoceros
Chimpanzee
Panda
Gorilla
Cheetah
Cougar
Sea Turtle
Blue Whale
Kangaroo
Polar Bear

3. Using provided resources, your team will complete the given outline.

Body- describe:

Size, shape, weight
Special features
Ears? Feet? Tail? Claws? Mouth? Fur?

Home (Habitat)

House, nest, den, burrow?
How does animal make it?
What part of the world does animal live in?

Food

What animal eats
How animal eats
How animal gets its food

Other interesting facts

4. After your outline is approved, your team will write a report for the committee.
5. Your report will then be typed using the AlphaSmart keyboards.
6. Plan and draw a picture of your animal in its habitat.
7. Choose key points to be included in the Power Point presentation.
8. Your presentation will be completed in the computer lab.
9. Share your presentation with the Zoo Planning Committee.

Resources

Cheetah PBS Creature Profile Spook Skeleton Enchanted Learning Nature Notebooks	Gorilla Sea World In the Wild PBS Creature Profile Enchanted Learning
Jaguar Jaguar's Point of View Enchanted Learning Belize Zoo Nature Notebooks	Panda Enchanted Learning Panda Central Nature Notebook
Rhinoceros Nature Notebook In the Wild San Antonio Zoo	Crocodile Nature Notebook In the Wild Enchanted Learning Sea World
African Elephant In the Wild Enchanted Learning Nature Notebook	Chimpanzee Oakland Zoo Nature Notebook Lincoln Park Zoo Enchanted Learning
Tiger Tiger Link Seaworld KidsStuff Oakland Zoo PBS Creature Profile	Cougar Enchanted Learning Western North Carolina Nature Center Nature Notebook Sierra Safari Zoo
Sea Turtle Enchanted Learning Sea World Info Book Kids Planet	Blue Whale Enchanted Learning Nature Notebook Sea World Kids Planet Discovery School
Kangaroo Enchanted Learning Nature Notebook PBS Creature Profile Kids Planet	Polar Bear Enchanted Learning Nature Notebook Sea World Sea World Info Book PBS Creature Profile

Evaluation

	A	B	C	D
General Criteria The writing process was followed (Brainstorm, pre-write, edit, final copy). Final copy was neat and tidy. Teamwork was shown. (Did you work well with your partner?) The directions were followed.
Specific Criteria The outline was complete. Research materials were properly used. All information was written in complete sentences. The report was typed on the computer. The illustration includes the animal in its habitat. Team has cooperatively completed a Power Point presentation with adult supervision.
Productivity Criteria Responsibility was shown throughout the project. Time and materials were organized.

Conclusion

If your animal is chosen to be included in the Endangered Animal Exhibit of the Oak Grove Zoo, you will be hired as an endangered animal expert. The Zoo Planning Committee will look to you for advice on the care of your animal.

Credits & References

http://1Clipart.com

Last updated on February, 2006.