As I assess our Endangered Species Research and Presentation Project I have a number of "keepers" and "changers."
Keepers:
- Guide research using a website as a homebase. We'll revisit the website prior to the next year's project to update.
- Use a Google presentation template to guide research (available on website.)
- Start the unit with background knowledge and skill development related to biomes, research, using websites, writing informational text, and the topic of endangered species.
- Make beautiful murals.
- Animoto and iMovie public service messages.
- Hosting parents at an open house.
- Sharing students' learning through individual presentations, short public service messages, murals, dioramas and a class film.
- Presenting to classmates in other grades.
Changers:
- Next year I'd like to put more effort into biome teams and student collaboration.
- Instead of having each child present on the class film, I'd like biome teams to write short scripts and present a short film about their biome and the endangered animals in it--I think that would make an engaging film presentation.
- Possibly invite family members to presentations in other classrooms.
As evidenced by the student YouTube film, students really enjoy the endangered species project. I really enjoy growing this project with my colleagues each year as educational strategies, tools, and resources change. Overall, the project is a keeper!
