Schenectady City
  School District

108 Education Drive
Schenectady, NY  12303
518.370.8100

 

   Cincinnati Zoo
Radiant Rainforest, two part series
Grades 6 - 8
 

Students will be able to describe how living things including humans rely upon the environment.  Additionally to compare and contrast the Tropical and Temperate Rainforests.  To see the balance in both of these biomes between the community members and their environment.  To be exposed to the climate and fauna unique to each area.

Learning Context/Purpose/Objective
Intermediate Level Science NY Sate Core Curriculum for grades 5 - 8.  This is tied to the nine major understandings of Key Idea 7 in the Living Environment (p 20) which is "Human decisions and activities have had a profound impact on the physical and living environment."  Examples to build support, the students will conduct an extended investigation of a local environment and how humans affect it.

Main Index

Other Cincinnati Zoo Plans

Cincinnati Zoo Website


 VIEW Museum Directory

Provider Contact
 Ken Freeman
513-475-6130

This integration plan was used by  Grade 6 - 8   Science Teachers  from Cohoes Catholic School in the Albany Diocese.

This program at the Cincinnati Zoo will provide the opportunity for the students to go one step further into an environment that they don't live in.  In addition to Key Idea 7, Key Idea 6 will also be included so students can see in the Rainforests how plants and animals depend on each other and their physical environment.

Procedure the Learning Experience
Students have already read about biomes and ecosystems.  They have completed various projects to include research and dioramas reflecting the plants and animals found in a variety of biomes.  The students will have the opportunity to visit a rainforest biome and see the variety of living creatures contained therein.  They will be able to ask questions and compare and contrast the biome they live in with the Rainforest Biomes that will be presented.

Instructional/Environmental Modifications:
No major modifications needed here except for lighting.

Time Required
Planning approximately six hours

Implementation
1.  biome classes - 3 class periods
2.  biome research/project - 2 class periods
3.  actual video conference - 2 class periods
4.  assessment/critique - 1-2 class periods

Logistical Planning
Worked around vacations, other video conferences, for example the Baseball experience on Feb. 12.  Needed time to complete these forms which I have to do from home.  Coordinate timing as closely as possible with the 6th grade teacher.  If I think of more I will email it.

Resources Needed
I am not aware that there are materials from the content provider for this conference.  Other resources would be textbooks, trade books, and projects.

Assessment Plan
Students will be creating a brochure with "knew," "know," and "learn" columns.  The students will have a mini research assignment in between the two part series with each student asking related question to enhance their research.  Finally, the students will need to provide examples of how different plants and animals depend on their environment within the Temperate and Tropical Rainforest and how humans can hurt and help these areas.

 progress include a rubric checklist.  This will be to assess the students' understanding of adaptations.