1. Animal Research Project
Created by:
Kari Haberling
Melissa Hayes
Shae Stephenson

2. Third Grade Language Standards
 W.3.2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a
topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
 W.3.2b. Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and
details.
 W.3.7. Conduct short research topics that build knowledge
about a topic.

3. Third Grade Science Standards
 3.L.1.2. Students are able to identify characteristic
features of animals and their related functions in relation
to their environment.
 3.L.2.1. Students are able to explain how animals
instinctively meet basic needs in their environment.

4. Third Grade ISTE Standards
 1.b. Create original works as a means of personal or group expression.
 2.a. Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others
employing a variety of digital environments and media.
 2.b. Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple
audiences using a variety of media and formats.
 3.b. Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use
information from a variety of sources and media.
 5.a. Advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of
information and technology.
 6.c. Troubleshoot systems and applications.
 6.d. Transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies.

5.  Students will work in groups of
two or three to complete the
assignment.
The teacher will pair the students
based on their academics, ability
to work with others, and their
technology skills.
Cooperative Learning Groups

6. Teacher Materials
 Copies of student rubric
 List of online resources
 Student laptops
 Project guidelines
 List of student groups
 Sample popplet

7. Student Resources and Materials
search.creativecommons.org
Students will go to the South Dakota State Library
webpage to access the following online resources
 World Book Kids
 World Book Student
 SIRS Discoverer
Student Materials
1. computer, rubric, notebook, pencil, checklist
of required information.

8. Learning Outcomes
 Students will create a concept map with the information they collect
on the website www.popplet.com .
 Students will work in groups to research an animal of their choice.
 Students will cite all sources used.
 Students will collect the following information:
 Animal’s name
 Animal’s physical characteristics
 Animal’s habitat
 Animal’s diet
 Interesting facts
 Images

9. Description of final assignment
The final project will be completed on www.popplet.com
The required elements will include:
 The animal’s name
 Three details about the animal’s physical appearance
 A minimum of one image of the animal from the creative
commons website
 Three details about the animal’s habitat
 Three details about the animal’s diet
 Three interesting facts about the animal

10. Instructional Procedures
 Day one
 Introduce the animal research project to the students.
 Put students in pre-assigned groups
 Give students time to choose an animal for their topic

11. Instructional Procedures continued
 Day two
 Students will research their animal’s physical appearance
using the provided technology resources.
 Students will record a minimum of three facts they
learned about their animal’s physical appearance.

12. Instructional Procedures continued
 Day three
 Students will research their animal’s habitat using the
provided technology resources.
 Students will record a minimum of three facts they
learned about their animal’s habitat.

13. Instructional Procedures continued
 Day four
 Students will research their animal’s diet using the
provided technology resources.
 Students will record a minimum of three facts they
learned about their animal’s diet.

14. Instructional Procedures continued
 Day five
 Students will research their animal to find interesting
facts using the provided technology resources.
 Students will record a minimum of three interesting facts
they learned about their animal.

15. Instructional Procedures continued
 Days 6 and 7
 Students will use the information they gathered to create
a popplet.
 A sample popplet can be viewed at
http://popplet.com/app/#/1758646

16. Rubric

17. Peer Review