DO NOT LOSE THIS PACKET!

Name: ______Session 1 2 3 4

Animal Research Project and Presentation

This major project involves you selecting an animal to research, conducting research using both print and computer resources, and using your research to create a PowerPoint presentation to present to the class. This project will span over many days and many opportunities in class will be given to complete the work. This project is worth a total of 100 points. Note: This project is setup so that meeting the minimum requirements results in earning a “B.” To earn an “A” on this project you must do additional work (see grading scale or Step 3 below for more info).

Step 1: Select an animal – You may choose any animal to research, as long as no other student in your session has already chosen that animal. It may be exotic or common, vertebrate or invertebrate. You will need to focus in on one specific species of animal, not a broad group of animals (example: Siberian Tiger, NOT tiger or big cats).

Selected animal: ______

Step 2: Conduct research – Pages 3-6 of this packet contain research questions for you to answer. You will be given ample time in the library to conduct this research. The packet of questions should be filled out completely. If you cannot find an answer to a question or if a question doesn’t apply to your animal, then write that as your answer. You must use at least one magazine, one book or encyclopedia, and two other sources of your choice. On the last page of the research packet record your sources (or you will lose 3 points). The research packet is worth 10 points.

Step 3: Use your research to create a PowerPoint presentation – After you conduct research in the library and have received instruction in how to use PowerPoint, you will be using our school computers to create a PowerPoint presentation which you will then share with the class. The six topics that all must have are listed below:

  1. Title slide with picture. Include animal’s scientific name and your name, also.
  2. General Description (What it looks like, Ht., Wt., Lifespan, Class…)
  3. Food & Feeding
  4. Reproduction
  5. Lifestyle
  6. Interesting Facts

You will need to find a picture on the Internet to paste onto the first slide in your presentation. Record the Internet address of your picture on p.8. The PowerPoint itself is worth 70 points with 10 additional points for your oral presentation to the class. Remember to save often and name your file using the name of your animal. If you want to do additional work to receive a higher grade, here are your options:

  1. Photo Gallery of 5-10 pictures (10 points)
  2. Colored Map – image found on my website @ (10 points)
  3. Additional Slides – more info, bibliography, … (10 points)

Step 4: Present to the Class – Share your animal research with the class. Be prepared! (10 points)

Grading Scale

Your Name: ______Session 1 2 3 4

Your Animal: ______

Research Packet: ____ / 10

PowerPoint Presentation:

  • Title Slide____ / 10
  • General Description Slide____ / 10
  • Food & Feeding Slide____ / 10
  • Reproduction Slide____ / 10
  • Lifestyle Slide____ / 10
  • Interesting Facts Slide____ / 10
  • Overall Quality____ / 10

Oral Presentation____ / 10

Additional Work Done (10 points each)____ / 0-30

Photo Gallery (5-10 pictures)

Colored Distribution Map

Additional Slides (bibliography, more info,…)

TOTAL SCORE:____ / 100 (110 max)

LETTER GRADE: A B C D F

Animal Research Questions

Answer ALL questions to the greatest extent possible!

Name of Animal: ______

Vertebrate -or- Invertebrate ?

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom –

Phylum –

Class –

Order –

Family –

Genus –

species –

General Description (What does it look like?):

Size (height, weight, wingspan, etc…):

Distribution (Where in the world is this animal found – list countries/continents?):

Habitat (In what type of habitat and biome is this animal found?):

Food and Feeding:

Which applies to your animal: herbivore carnivore omnivore

How does your animal obtain its food (hunt, trap, climb a tree…)?

What does your animal eat?

How is your animal well suited to obtain its food (physical adaptations, hunting techniques)?

Reproduction & Breeding:

At what age is your animal sexually mature (able to reproduce)?

What type of fertilization takes place in this species, internal or external? Explain, if necessary.

Does your animal have a mating season? When is it?

What is the gestation period for this animal (How long is it pregnant?)?

Does your animal give birth to eggs or live young? How many at one time?
Lifestyle:

What is your animal’s family structure (does it live alone, travel in groups…)

Does your animal have a call (woof, tweet, meow…)? How else does it communicate?

What is the life expectancy of your animal (How long does it live?)?

What interesting or unusual behaviors does your animal engage in?

What does your animal use to defend itself from predators?

What are your animal’s predators (Is your animal food for any other animal?)?

Other Topics:

List any special features or adaptations that your animal has.

Describe your animal’s coloration (color scheme, camouflage).

What other animal species are closely related to your animal?

Is your animal endangered or is the population stable? What is the current population size (#) ?

List 5 additional interesting facts:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Sources I used in my research (use correct bibliographic format & include all web sites):

  1. Book / Encyclopedia –
  2. Magazine –

1