Learning Activity

Endangered Animals: Part 2

Subject Area

English Language Arts

Grade(s)

5

Overview

Students will spin the Wheel of Names to choose the endangered animal they will research. They will use the attached approved websites list to gather information and answer questions about their endangered animal.

They will also use the attached Epic book list to help them gather information. The Epic book list is public, so by clicking on the link provided below, students will have access to a variety of books and read alouds about endangered animals.

Students will then use the information gathered to create the Endangered Animals Poster (attached). 

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 5

ELA21.5.38

Gather information on a topic or question, and share the results through various modes of writing, including projects and presentations.

Unpacked Content

UP:ELA21.5.38

Vocabulary

  • Topic
  • Question
  • Results
  • Modes of writing
  • Projects
  • Presentations

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Effective research skills.
  • Transferable writing skills applicable to many modes of writing.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Research information from a variety of sources to explain a topic or answer a question.
  • Share information learned through research in various modes of writing, including projects and presentations.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • They can share their research findings through multiple modes of writing, including presentations and projects.

Phase

During/Explore/Explain
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to use research and gather information and answer questions about a topic, and share results through a project or presentation.

Students will be able to locate information in print and digital sources. 

Activity Details

1. The teacher will present the Wheel of Names and each student will get to spin the wheel to choose their animal. Once an animal has been chosen from the wheel, delete the animal from the wheel so it cannot be chosen again. 

2. Once all students have the name for their endangered animal to research, pass out the Endangered Animals research questions. 

3. Next, share the Epic book list (this will be used to access a list of books about endangered animals) and the approved websites to use with the students. These will need to be shared so that the students can have online access to them. 

4. Students are now able to start researching, and gathering information to answer the questions on the endangered animals' sheet. 

5. Make sure students understand that they must paraphrase the information (put it into their own words), use complete sentences, and be detailed when writing. 

6. Once the research and questions are complete, students will complete the Endangered Animals Poster using the research gathered on their questions sheet. 

Assessment Strategies

Assessment Strategies

The teacher will look over the completed research questions to ensure all questions are answered completely using the information gathered in complete sentence form. 

The teacher will use the attached rubric to assess the Endangered Animals Poster.

Variation Tips

Be sure to visit www.getepic.com before beginning the activity to create your free Epic account. 

Related Learning Activities

Learning Activity (Before)

Endangered Animals: Part 1

Learning Activity (During)

Endangered Animals: Part 2

Learning Activity (After)

Endangered Animals: Part 3

Background and Preparation

Background / Preparation

1. The Teacher needs to access the Wheel of Names to be sure it is working and that there are enough animals on the wheel for students to choose from. If not, the teacher may add more animals by copying the wheel and editing. 

2. Create an Epic account. Go to www.getepic.com and click on Educators at the top to get started. 

3. Share the Epic book list (the link I have provided is public and you will be able to access this once you have created a free account).

4. Share the approved research websites to use with the students digitally. The students will have a variety of sites to use to gather research on their endangered animals.

5. Make copies of the Endangered Animals research questions. 

6. Make copies or share digitally the Endangered Animal Poster. 

7.  Make copies of the poster rubric. 

 

Digital Tools / Resources

Endangered Animals: Wheel of Names
https://wheelofnames.com/zea-9uk

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

lwilson15
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