We are Biologists!

My favorite unit in science is life science! We are almost finished wrapping up our animal characteristics lessons. The students are learning about characteristics of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and fish. They have learned about the importance of each animal's environment and how they fit in the food chain. We have learned about the life cycle and the stages of different groups of animals: fetal, infant, juvenile, and adult. This past week, we have dug deeper with our aardvark feet to connect the functions of a body part to the importance of the animal's survival.

One fun activity the students had the chance to do is build themselves into a new animal. If you go to this website, your child can give you a tutorial and you can create your own new animal.

Build Your Wild Self Website

 The students were able to use the printer (a new and exciting privilege to a 6 year old) and write about their new animal slash human. They loved it! Here is an example of what Madi created. She wrote a whole page when she was only expected to write four sentences. The students were so engaged in the assignment, many of them wanted to create another one and write about it again. This was a great writing prompt!

We have also had the chance to read a yucky book about bugs! It says potty words like poop and fart! EW! The students learned about ten insects that have gross habits in order to survive. Did you know that there is an existing caterpillar that flings his feces away from him so wasps will go towards the smell instead of the caterpillar? Or that the decapitation fly puts its eggs inside an ant's head and the larva eat the ant's brains? The students wrote about which bug was the grossest in their own opinion. They had a chance to vote online and see the results. If you would like to check it out, here is the author's website. How RUDE!
 
Another great way to tie in writing with science had to do with a few other books. As a class, we read What If You Had Animal Teeth?! The students had a chance to write about themselves having animal teeth in their own life. We traced ourselves with animal teeth. Students came up with some great ideas. Once they had the hang of it, we read What If You Had Animal Feet?! Here are some great responses:

"If I had animal feet, I would have the mountain goat's because I can climb trees and hide from my brother. My things are in the trees in my backyard." -Lilou

"If I could have animal's feet, I would have the white rhinoceros feet because I could stomp on the ground cracks that are on the road. I could carry my friends without a car." -Ryen

"If I could choose animal feet, I would have the fly's feet because if you played soccer it would stick to your foot and no one would get it until you get it in the goal. Then you would score again and again and your team would win because of you. You would win trophies every year and month."
-Jordan

"If I could choose an animal's foot, I would have the Green Basilisk Lizard feet. We will go to China and buy a house so we can live in China. Then I will run to the beach with dust to find a shark to ride it. Last, go to a swimming contest and win." -Jackson

"If I could choose an animal's foot, I would have a Green Basilisk Lizard because if we went on vacation, I can run across the ocean." -Mace

"If I could choose an animal's foot, I would have aardvark feet. I can dig new gems. I could have fun without electronics. So I can have an equal day on and off electronics." -Braylon

We have one more week until we finish our animal unit. Then we will start the life of a plant. Overall, I am very proud of these kids and am glad they share the enjoyment of learning about animals with me. To end this blog, here are my two favorite animal videos that I share every year with my kids. This class loves British accents -not sure- why- and enjoyed that aspect as well.