Squam Lakes Project

This was the best project we did this year.  The kids loved it so much, they didn't even notice how much reading, writing, and math they were doing.  We were learning about what animals need in their environments to thrive. 

Before our trip to Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, I presented the project to the students.  They were to look at all the animals already at Squam Lake and the enclosures they lived in.  They were to study how the enclosures were constructed and what was provided for the animals in the enclosures.  They were told they would need to find another animal they could bring to Squam Lake to expand the zoo and they would need to design an enclosure that would provide everything that animal needed.  The animal would need to fit the environment. Students were given a planning sheet and a digital camera for the field trip to help them with their planning.

After we returned from Squam Lake, students finished filling out the planning sheet and shared what animals they found already at the zoo.  They also shared their pictures of the animal enclosures.  (I love having an Eno Board!) This step made sure all students saw all the animals because some groups did miss some while touring the zoo. 

This is one thing I will change for next year.  I will need to be more clear with chaperones about the requirements of the project and how the kids should spend their time at the zoo.  I gave each chaperone printed instructions, but some of them did not fully understand the need for students to do the work/learning while at the zoo.  They let them spend most of their time in the play area and they missed many of the animals and therefore had trouble finishing their planning sheet.  One chaperone was afraid the students would break the camera and never gave it to them to use.

I shared a second research planning sheet to help them find information about the animal they chose to bring to the zoo.  We then created a rubric for the final project together using Rubistar.

Then the research began.  I provided a few links to get them started such as the New Hampshire Fish and Game website and World Book Online.  Some students had ideas for an animal but after researching its needs found it would not thrive in our environment.  They did more reading and sharing during this time than if I had assigned a set reading assignment and they loved searching for just the right animal.

They created a map of their enclosure labeling what was in the enclosure.  They learned a lot about measuring and distance during this step.  How high would a fence need to be for a raccoon?  How long and wide would an enclosure need to be for a tiger or horse? 

They last step was to use their map to build a model.  This was a great end of year activity when kids are wiggly and not wanting to sit still.  They were so busy cutting, pasting, building, designing, and problem solving, they didn't even notice the 90 degree temperature in the classroom.  Students presented their finished model to the class and we posted pictures on our class blog for parents.

This project is definitely a keeper.  It incorporated science, social studies, math, reading, writing, and technology, but most importantly the kids loved it!