Virtual Zoo

Reprinted from The Wild Times Teacher Connection v2n2, Winter 1997.

Many children have had the fantasy of running their own zoo. Here is your chance to help them fulfull that dream. Like the Bird Feeder Report project, the Virtual Zoo will reside on The Wild Ones web site. It can also be offered to an entire class or selected students.

When finished each animal will have it's own page with student drawings or photographs of the animal, a map showing its native habitat, and interpretive text. Pages may also include sound or video clips collected by students.

While it is not absolutely necessary for participation or completion of this project, a trip to local zoos, aquaria, or wildlife parks will generate more excitement for the project. Prior to the trip, students should be instructed to evaluate the signs at the exhibits and the selection of animals. Following the trip, engage students in discussion of these components of the zoo. What would they like changed to make the zoo better. How can they make those changes in their Virtual Zoo.

Student Directions:

Select an animal that you think should be a part of our Virtual Zoo.
Research that animal to find out what interesting information should be included at the animal's "display".
Visit the animal at a real zoo or aquarium to observe, draw, or photograph it.
Prepare final drawings for web page.
Prepare final text for web page.
Prepare habitat map for web page.

Teacher Directions:

Gather resource materials (books, magazines, videos, CD-ROMs, Internet sites, etc.)
Arrange zoo trip (optional)
Gather trip supplies (writing and drawing supplies, still cameras and film, video cameras and tape, audio recorders and tape, etc.)
Provide time and structure for students to prepare final product.
Photographs, video, and audio must be copywrite free.

Visit the Virtual Zoo: see examples of work that members have already submitted.

Submit your own curriculum plans to The Wild Ones for publication.

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