Schenectady City
  School District

108 Education Drive
Schenectady, NY  12303
518.370.8100

 

   Cincinnati Zoo
Endangered Species Part 1
Grade 5

This experience fits into the 5th grade science curriculum entitled "Ecosystems."  This unit discusses the interdependence of certain animals, plants and their food systems.  Also, we discuss pollutants such as acid rain, road salt and fertilizer.

The students will need to have the background knowledge about ecosystems and how the environment affects animals and plants causing them to become endangered.

The students will need to have the background knowledge about food chains and webs so they will understand the animals and plants relationship and how they depend on each other.

Mathematics, Science & Technology
Standard 1
Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers and develop solutions.

Main Index

Other Cincinnati Zoo Plans

 Other Grade 5 Projects

Cincinnati Zoo Website


 VIEW Museum Directory

Provider Contact
 Ken Freeman
513-475-6130

This integration plan was used by a Grade 5 Teachers at Paige Elementary School in the Schenectady City School District.


Standard 4
Students will understand & apply scientific concepts, principles and theories pertaining to the physical setting & living environment  & recognize the historical development of ideas in science.

Procedure
This learning experience will provide the students with opportunities to engage in hands-on activities to inquire about the endangered species.  This will also provide multi-disciplinary connections to learning integrating science with reading, writing, listening, research, math and social studies.

The "best" classroom practice would be providing a multi-sensory approach to learning.  It will entitle all students to be able to participate my using their strongest modality for learning.

Instructional Environmental Modifications
The environment will be in the large, open area which is he multi purpose room.  The presentation includes a multi-sensory approach to learning for students who are below grade level due to disabilities or ESL issues.  These students can learn by seeing, hearing and participating rather than reading and writing which are more difficult for them.

Time Required
The planning for this learning experience will take approximately a month's time.  This will include the time the teacher needs to discuss the presentation with the project VIEW provider.  Also, the teacher will need time to discuss the program with other teachers involved.  Also, it gives the teacher ample time to complete the science unit that is connected to the videoconferencing presentation.

This videoconferencing presentation will be provided twice to two separate classes within the 5th grade.  Each presentation will take approximately two hours.

This videoconferencing assessment will take about 1 hour follow-up discussion about the presentation and how it ties into the science unit.

Logistical Planning:

Videoconferencing equipment will be transported to the multi-purpose room by elevator.

Make sure all outlets are working and that there is enough lighting

Assemble a backdrop

Area needs secure from interruptions

Appropriate seating arrangement so all students can see and be seen.

There should be a podium from where the student can ask questions

Pre-check with the content provider if any materials are needed

Make sure students have questions prepared beforehand.

Resources Needed
Unknown at this time

Assessment Plan
The students' assessment will be based on group discussions and journal writing.  The teachers will use checklists to monitor student participation.  The science teacher will include test questions that pertain to the issues discussed during the videoconferencing presentation.