Habitat Project

The local zoo is doing some remodeling of the animal’s homes. They want the zoo to be more like the natural habitat for the animals. They need your help designing each home. Your job will be to choose an animal to research for the zoo and create a model habitat box for your animal. You will also need to write up the characteristics of the habitat and present them to the class.

The habitat boxes should be made from shoeboxes. The components can be created from paper, crayons, clay, glue, wood, etc. BE CREATIVE!

_____ Choose an animal

_____ Research and write up the characteristics of your animal

_____ Research and write up the animal’s habitat components.

_____ Create a habitat box to represent your findings.

_____ Prepare to presentyour report & habitat to the class.

_____ Present to the class.

This is not intended to be an extended research project. Students are only required to use one resource, but use more if you wish. Students may choose from either: Encarta encyclopedia, the traditional encyclopedia, library books, or the internet.

Attached is a list of possible resources that may be found at the library. One of the websites which maybe helpful(you are not limited to this site) is:

The following “Background Information” is some general information about the different habitat classifications and the animals that live in each classification. This information will give students an opportunity to narrow down their choice of habitat and animal.

We are asking students to write two paragraphs. The first paragraph should be about the animal. The second paragraph should be about the habitat. Each paragraph needs to be 5-7 sentences. The following are some suggestions (or guiding questions) for the students to use.

The Animal Paragraph

  • What animal classification is the animal in? WHY?

(Mammal, Fish, Bird, Reptile, Amphibian)

  • Is the animal a vertebrate or invertebrate?
  • Is the animal warm-blooded or cold-blooded?
  • What are the specific characteristics of the animal?
  • What is the size/shape of the animal?
  • Where is your animal on the food chain?
  • What kinds of different foods does it eat?

The Habitat Paragraph

  • Where does your animal live?
  • What is the climate of your habitat?
  • Where does your animal get its food?
  • What is unusual about your habitat?
  • Does your animal migrate?
  • Where does the animal find its water?
  • What kind of shelter does the animal live in?

The Shadow Box

The shadow box is the student’s opportunity to be very creative. Shadow boxes need to be three-dimensional. Have students think about going to the zoo and seeing the animal habitat display. Students can use any of the following ideas:

  • Construction paper, toys, sugar cubes, etc. Playmobile, Legos
  • Natural products: leaves, twigs, rocks, etc.
  • Crayons, markers, paints, scissors, tissue paper, cotton balls
  • Clay: make animals, food, water sources, trees,
  • Or anything else you can think of!!!

Grading Rubric for Habitat Project

4
Above
Expectations / Written Assignment
  • Two animals (Predator & Prey)
  • At least 3 paragraphs (characteristic of animals, habitats of each animal, connections between the two animals)
  • Paragraphs are at least 7 sentences each
  • Almost all capitalization, punctuation, spelling & grammar is correct
Project Dioramas
  • Almost everything 3-D
  • Creative; using multiple materials
  • Habitat for each animal is shown

3
Right On / Written Assignment
  • One Animal
  • Two Paragraphs; characteristics & habitat
  • At least 5-7 sentences
  • Most of the capitalization, punctuation, spelling & grammar is correct
Project Dioramas
  • Most of diorama is 3-D
  • Creative; using multiple materials
  • Habitat is clearly shown; realistic looking

2
Below
Expectations / Written Assignment
  • One Animal
  • Only one paragraph or
  • Less than 5 sentences in each paragraph
Project Dioramas
  • One Dimensional
  • Minimal Creativity

Calendar for Guideline

Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday / Sat/Sun
11/14 / 11/15
Confirmation Form Due / 11/16-17
11/18 / 11/19 / 11/20 / 11/21 / 11/22
Research / 11/23-24
Thanksgiving Break
November 25-30
12/2 / 12/3 / 12/4 / 12/5 / 12/6
1st Draft / 12/7-8
12/9 / 12/10 / 12/11 / 12/12 / 12/13
Final Draft / 12/14-15
12/16
Project & Report
DUE / 12/17 / 12/18 / 12/19 / 12/20 / Winter Break

Animal Choice Confirmation Form

Name: ______

Animal 1st Choice: ______

Animal 2nd Choice: ______

Parent Signature: ______

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Animal Choice Confirmation:

Teacher Approved:

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