Description:

 Using Switch Zoo, an online game, students will create a new animal by combining characteristics of existing animals. They will name their animal, print out a picture, and research the habits and characteristics of the component animals in order to create a Field Guide to their new animal. This lesson would be a collaboration between the classroom teacher and the teacher-librarian, and would be presented within the context of a larger unit of study on animal adaptation.

 Instructional Goals:

Students will conduct research using online websites and online databases. They will use their research to construct a Field Guide about an animal they created using Switch Zoo, an online game.

Learning Objectives:

4th grade students will be able to:

·      Make and name an animal using Switch Zoo.

·      Research their animal using online resources.

·      Answer all questions on the Field Guide worksheet.

·      Document the sources where they found their information.

Motivational Goals:

Students will gain confidence in their research abilities and work product.

Students will appreciate the importance of information skills. 

Information Literacy Skill(s):

Definition

·      Identify requirements of research task;

·      Determine the amount and type of information needed to complete the task.

Planning

·      Formulate a search strategy;

·      Identify potential information sources;

·      Create a general framework for organizing information.

Exploration

·      Accessing information resources;

·      Exploring a range of information resources.

Collection

·      Selecting most relevant information resources;

·      Locating relevant information within selected resources;

·      Extracting information from selected resources;

·      Evaluating the accuracy, credibility, currency, and completeness of the information;

Organization

·      Filtering out irrelevant information;

·      Summarizing and synthesizing gathe

red information;

·      Sequencing selected information;

·      Organizing information for presentation.

Evaluation

·      Evaluates the end product

Information Literacy Standards:

Standard 1: Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge.           

Skill 1.1.3: Develop and refine a range of questions to frame the search for new understanding;

            Skill 1.1.4: Find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to answer questions;

Skill 1.1.5: Evaluate information found in selected sources on the basis of accuracy, validity, appropriateness for needs, importance, and social and cultural context;

Skill 1.1.6: Read, view, and listen for information presented in any format in order to make inferences and gather meaning.

Skill 1.1.8: Demonstrate mastery of technology tools for accessing information and pursuing inquiry.           

Standard 3: Share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic society.

Skill 3.1.3: Use writing and speaking skills to communicate new understandings effectively;

Skill 3.1.4: Use technology and other information tools to organize and display knowledge and understanding in ways that others can view, use, and assess.

            Skill 3.1.6: Use information and technology ethically and responsibly.

Related Content Standards:

New York State ELA Standards:

Standard 1: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for information and understanding.

Standard 3: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for critical analysis and evaluation.

 New York State Science Standards:

Standard 1: The central purpose of scientific inquiry is to develop explanations of natural phenomena in a continuing, creative process.

Key Idea 6: Plants and animals depend on each other and their physical environment.

Major Understanding 3.1c: In order to survive in their environment, plants and animals must be adapted to that environment.