We will be looking at the different aspects of the various animals at the zoo. We will have the children find out what types of food the animals eat, the basic care for the animals, where the animals come from. The children will be able to identify and describe a variety of zoo animals via Internet and computer use. At the end of the project they will write a paper on the zoo that they create including the information found on the internet. They will also make a creative map of the layout of their zoo.
	Science is the main focus for this activity. The students will also use their computer exploration skills and work both individually and collaboratively within a group. Age level is directed for 5th grade.
	Objectives include: 1. The students will use past computer skills to explore websites over the Internet related to zoo animals. 2. The students will learn the environments and habitats of animals that are located in the zoo and in their original environment. 3. The students will learn the basic care for zoo animals and what types of food they eat. 4. The students will learn how to work cooperatively in a group. 5. The students will practice the proper methods to use the Internet. 6. The students will speak effectively in front of a classroom setting.
	Resources needed: Computer and Internet access, books about animals, tapes with animal sounds, pictures on zoos, various art materials, overhead projector, and any other supplies requested by the students for their presentations.

Have you ever visited a zoo before? Did you wonder where some of the animals came from? Did you wonder what they ate? How to take care of them? Well in this project you will be able to explore where animals come from, what they eat, and how to care for them. You will build your own zoo by using the Internet and other classroom resources.

After researching animals and their habitat, you will compile data to write an individual paper and a group map and description of your zoo.

By using past computer skills you will explore websites over the Internet relating to zoo animals. You will learn such things as the environments and habitats of animals that are located in the zoo by researching them in their original environment. You will also learn the basic care for zoo animals and what types of food they eat. Working cooperatively in a group you will practice the proper methods to use the Internet. At the end you will  present your information to the rest of the class.
 
 

Students will be put into groups of 4 or 5. Each student will take on the role as co-zookeeper. They will research on the internet to find out what types of animals other zoos include. Then they will pick two to three animals which they will research as an individual assignment. They will each provide a written report detailing the individual animal's habitat, proper care, and eating habits.

Once students have understood their roles and investigated the background material necessary to make a thorough report, then it is time for them to come together as a group to discuss their assigned animals and create a map of their zoo. Creativity will be encouraged and as a group, they will present all of their materials to the rest of the class on the final day.

Students need to make sure that their chosen animals do not overlap with the other group members.

Here are some ideas on how to present your information:
 

	Maps
	Powerpoints
	Web Page
	Summary Tables
	TV and VCR
	Overhead Projector

Identify for the students which other resources they may use to complete their task(s). Other resources may include:
 

	URL Links:      http://www.sandiegozoo.org      http://www.adelaide-zoo.com.au/      http://www.zoo.org.au/      http://www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au/      http://www.honoluluzoo.org/      http://netvet.wustl.edu/e-zoo.htm      http://web2.si.edu/organiza/museums/zoo/photos/photos.htm      http://www.lazoo.org
	Other websites are allowed as well. The students may want to use search engines such as Yahoo, Excite, MSN, etc. to get more information on their animals.
	Classroom Encyclopedias
	Color Printer
	Periodicals from the Media Center

If you would like to see a copy of the rubric we will be using to evaluate the projects with please click here to see the criteria on which your collaborative grade will be based.

After finishing this project here are some questions to help you evaluate and extend what you have learned:
 

	Do you now have a better understanding of the process zoo keepers go through to add animals to the zoo?
	Do you now have a better understanding of some animals and their general care and habitats?
	Were you flexible enough to compromise with the group and attain resolution, or did you yield to group pressures?
	What new questions will you have now when you visit the zoo?