Habitat Crafts: Learn About Endangered Animals and Their Habitats
What's included
6 live meetings
4 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. The aim is to accomplish most tasks within the class time. Some students may want or need to spend more time doing research, collecting model making materials or practicing their presentations. Homework tasks will be very doable such as choosing an animal for their project.Class Experience
In this class, students will learn about endangered animals, habitats, ecosystems, climate, online research and presentation skills. They will understand why so many animals are going extinct and (in many cases) how we are connected to what is happening. They will do this by focusing on the story of one animal of their choosing and becoming an expert about it's uniqueness and what it needs to survive. To tell this story, we will learn about how to choose important facts to share and how to show key information clearly and effectively. There will also be an opportunity for students to learn and practice their presentation skills when they share their 3D shoebox creations at the end of the lesson in a way that is comfortable for them. I will include fun facts about some amazing animals. We will play little games along the way focusing on animal facts and trivia. At each step along the way, I will model the tasks for them and provide a supportive learning environment always focusing on what interests and excites them about this topic. There is a craft project at the center of this course and all art abilities are welcome. If students like to draw and paint, that could be their method for making the diorama. If they prefer to print and cut out pictures, that is fine. Making models out of clay. It's all welcome. The goal is to become really clear about one animal's story/plight, have fun making something interesting to them and to learn how to teach others using the diorama and an organized script.
Learning Goals
They will learn about endangered animals, research, model making and presentation skills.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum6 Lessons
over 3 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to endangered animals
Why is it that so many animals are threatened? We'll go over some examples and I will supply a list of animals that students can choose to focus on.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Learn about your animal: Online research skills
What is cool about your animal? What would be fun to share? How do we do research online? What sites can we trust for good facts? What pictures are better to show us key information? This will include time for research and help from me as they go.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Choosing what story to tell
Now that we know about our animals, let's choose the key things to share or teach with our craft project. I will show examples of past projects and we will discuss what makes them effective or ineffective.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Let's make our habitats!
TBC - had to rebuild after deletion
45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Students will need to do their own research about endangered animals on the internet. Unfortunately, some of the research could possibly reveal sad and even disturbing details about harm to animals. I will hold space for emotions the children experience when they learn about these things.
Pre-Requisites
This class will require the ability to do research on the internet to collect facts and images about animals. The focus of the class is to construct a diorama using a shoebox and any range of art supplies. Cutting and gluing skills needed.
Supply List
a shoebox sized sturdy box, any preferred art supplies
Teacher expertise and credentials
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
Bachelor's Degree from Vassar College
I have been teaching geography and environmental science in schools for 8 years. This includes the topics and project in this course. I've chosen to teach this project on Outschool because my students have really enjoyed getting to choose their favorite animals and the freedom they have in creating the dioramas. I focus on the students creating informative displays they are proud of (without having to spend too long).
Reviews
Live Group Course
$18
weekly or $54 for 6 classes2x per week, 3 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
3-10 learners per class