Teacher Resources

The New Zoo

Research Process		Activities
	Scenario	The Baltimore Zoo is remodeling. The Zoo is sponsoring a contest to encourage students to learn about animals to help the Zoo Director decide which animals should be in the remodeled Zoo.
	Task	Research an animal that you would like to see at the Baltimore Zoo and explain why you have chosen it.
	Product	Make an information card for your animal's habitat display. Click here to view a sample of the information card. Create a video documentary of your class zoo.
	Assessment	Use this checklist for your information card.
	Questions	What information does the Zoo Director need to decide which animals should be included in the new Zoo? Why does the Zoo Director need this information? What is your animal's classification and group? What are your animal's physical characteristics? Does it have any special parts? What does your animal need to survive? What is your animal's habitat?
	Gather	Use these guides to find online information: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, arthropods. Use Destiny to locate books in the Library. Use this planning sheet to record your information. Use these guide sheets for helpful tips during your research: Using a Web Browser Using a Book Index
	Organize	Synthesize: Use the information you have gathered on your planning sheet to create your information card. Evaluate: Review the checklist for your information card to make sure you have included all the information required. If you have not answered all the questions, go back and use the resources to find the missing information.
	Conclude	Share your information card with your class. Listen carefully as your classmates present their information. After everyone has shared their information cards, decide which animal you think should be your class's choice for the new Zoo. Use this voting ballot to record and justify your choice. As a class, discuss why the Zoo Director needs to know the information you have gathered about your animal.