This project/unit
was written as a requirement for the online class at
New Jersey City University, "Using Integrated Software Across
the Curriculum." It is entitled “Endangered Animals of the
World.”
Children learn about animals from
a very early age. They see animals on clothing, on television, in books,
in videos, and learn about animals in school. Children should be aware
that some animals are vulnerable and unprotected in today’s society.
Many animals are becoming endangered or extinct. I created this project
so students can learn which animals are endangered, find out how to make
other people aware of this problem, and learn what they can do to help.
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The Endangered
Animals of the World project is targeted for grades 4-8 English as a
Second language students and will encompass the following subject areas:
Science:
Students will be learning and investigating endangered animals.
Language Arts: Students will be researching,
writing reports, and reading material about endangered animals.
Social Studies: Students will be using
map skills to investigate where endangered animals are located in the
world.
Math: Students will be analyzing statistical
information and interpreting graphs and charts.
Art: Students will be creating a drawing
or art project.
Technology: Students will be learning how
to use various application and productivity software as they gather
information and learn about endangered animals. Top
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Classes are held in 90 minute blocks of time
daily, and the students are taught all of the subject areas above during
ESL class. The prior language knowledge and skills that the students
need in order to participate effectively in this unit is as follows:
Students should be able to follow verbal commands, understand visual
cues, fundamentally operate a PC, have a general understanding of keyboarding
skills, be familiar with the word processing program, Microsoft Word,
be able to speak and understand basic English and read at no lower than
a fourth grade level. Top of Page
Procedure/Activities:
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The unit begins with an introductory
slide show on endangered animals that leads to a two paragraph essay
written using Microsoft Word.
Students will then research an
endangered animal of their choice creating a report with images in Word.
After an art project is created at home, students will read their report
to the class and show their art work.
Next, students will use the information
from their report and create a database of their information using Microsoft
Access. When complete they will print out a report of their information
and give one copy to each student in the class.
Next, students will create a spreadsheet
using Excel with information from all of their classmate’s endangered
animal reports. Students will also create a chart.
The project culminates with the
students creating a slide show using the all of the information they
have gathered about their endangered animal during this unit. All slide
shows will be presented to the class.
This project is presented as a
unit which encompasses five lessons. The lessons are taught over a two
to three week period. Top
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References:
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ALTEC University of Kansas, . RubiStar.
Retrieved July 5, 2003, from High Plains Regional Technology in Education
Consortium: http://rubistar.4teachers.org/
Calloway, M. (1998). Endangered
Species: There is Still Time. Retrieved Jul. 05, 2003,
http://www.askeric.org/
Michaud M. and Steelman, J. (1997).
Endangered Species and Multimedia. Retrieved Jul. 05, 2003, http://www.askeric.org/
Sands, N. Endangered Animals. Retrieved
Jul. 05, 2003,
http://www.teachers-connect.net/TNT/mlp0047.htm
Goble, Joanand de Vries, Rene,
. Tenan. Retrieved Jul. 05, 2003, http://www.tenan.vuurwerk.nl/indexusa.htm
Introduction