Day at the Zoo Animal Identification Lesson Plan

Unit Topic or Theme: Science

Grade: 3

Lesson Topic or Theme:  Zoo Animals

Lesson Objectives:

1.       The student will be able to identify animal names based on their physical characteristics.

2.       The student will be able to use internet resources to find more information about the animals.

Instructional Technique:

1.       Class discussion

2.       Independent Computer work

3.       Homework worksheet

Instructional Materials:

1.       Animal Facts Worksheet,

2.       Computer

3.       http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/animals/creaturefeature/

Theoretical Perspective:

Children need to be able to identify animals in the world around them. This activity will give them the opportunity to test their existing knowledge of wild animal identities and give them a review if necessary. The website activity will test their ability to name the animals and the accompanying worksheet will require them to navigate the given websites for further information about the animals, giving them the opportunity to show their internet proficiency.

Procedure:

A.      Introductory Activity:

1. Ask each student to write their favorite wild animal on the board.

2. Pick the most common five animals and ask the kids to describe the animal’s physical characteristics.

3. Review describing adjectives such as short, tall, heavy and light.

B.      Main Focus/Step-By-State:
1. Handout sheet with online activity directions and have students log onto the website.

2. Give students time to explore the website and participate in the animal identify activity.

3. Following the time given to complete the website activity students will return to their seats to discuss the animals they saw in the activity and which animals they had difficulty identifying.

4. Hand out homework sheet.

C.      Adaptations for Different Learners: Students will work individually, but may ask the teacher for help if difficulties arise.

D.      Homework: Animal Facts Worksheet

Evaluation:

How/when will you determine if you have met your objectives?

1.       The student will be able to identify animals based on their physical characteristics.

The student’s ability to complete the website activity will determine their ability to meet this objective. To advance to the next exhibit the student has to select the correct animal based on a description of what the animal looks like.

2.       The student will be able to use internet resources to find more information about the animals.

Use the homework, Animal Facts Worksheet, to evaluate this objective. The students will be given the worksheet in class and the website that should be used to complete it. They should be able to answer the questions about each animal they identified during the in-class activity using the website as a guide.

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