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Amphibians & Fish

Project Description

The essence of life is survival. Animals and plants live in different environments that are called habitats, or ecosystems. All living things have a basic need for survival. That survival often means adapting to a specific environment. As students assist the Miami Museum of Science in preparing an exhibit on amphibians (frogs) and fish that are endogenous to Florida. Students will research habitats, life cycles, and survival skills of animals by using the Internet, books, and magazines. To summarize their findings, students will design and create posters. In addition, they will create a multimedia presentation that will become part of the Natural Bridge Museum which will be open to parents and students at a special Environmental Fair. Digital photographs of their work will be showcased on a virtual online gallery to be shared with the Museum.

Project Goals

Essential Question:

How can animals begin life in a water habitat and move to an earthly one?

Specific Questions:

What is a habitat?

What are the characteristics of an amphibian and a fish?

How does the life of an amphibian and a fish begin?

What are the life stages of an amphibian and a fish?

Compare and contrast the life cycle and habitat of an amphibian and a fish?

M-DCPS Standards

CBC Standards

First Grade County Goal Number	Competency Based Curriculum
Science
II Life Science	Distinguish similarities and differences among amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish and mammals

Unit Prerequisites

· Students will be able to understand the concept of habitat and life cycle of amphibians and fish.

· Students will be able to conduct a research using the web.

· Students will be able to create a simple PowerPoint presentation.

· Students will be able to create a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting the lives of an amphibian and a fish.

Performance Actions

Access:

· Gather information about amphibians and fish focusing on their life cycle.

· Gather information about their habitats.

· Describe how they interact with their habitats.

Produce:

· Draw/create posters illustrating the habitats of different amphibians.

· Show pictures of amphibians during their life cycle.

Communicate:

· Present your findings about amphibians, their life cycle, and their habitats.

· Present your displays to the class.

· Present a PowerPoint presentation illustrating your findings and pictures.

Evaluate:

· Critique the quality of your presentation and display.

· Judge the effectiveness of your PowerPoint presentation.

· Critique the written passages.

Performance Assessment Plan

· A checklist will be utilized to determine group progress.

· Self-assessment rubrics will be used to determine effectiveness in the cooperative groups.

· Charts produced on the picture observations will be scored with a rubric on the student’s (group’s) ability to comprehend the pictures.

· Final display will be evaluated by parents and community members using a rubric.

Teacher Resources

http://www.eNature.com

First Grade County Goal Number

Competency Based Curriculum

Science