Introduction
Switch Zoo!!!
Have you ever wanted to influence nature? Well, now you can. 
You are about to embark on a journey into the animal kingdom. Your mission is to create a new and unique creature by combining at least two animals that are already in existence. We will refer to this new and unique being as a switcheroo.
This project is designed to foster your creative growth while testing your knowledge of science. There are five stages in this mission.
| 1. Create a Switcheroo | 4. Creative Tasks |
| 2. Name Your Animal | |
| 3. Write a Field Guide | |
Task
You will create a Switch Zoo animal of your choice. You need to make sure you have thought carefully and are able to explain why you've chosen specific body parts for you animal.
Have fun and be creative!!
Below you will find the activities that need to be completed.
Project Checklist
| Stage I: Create a Switcheroo |
Print the picture of your animal. | |
| Stage II: Name Your Animal |
Print the common name Web page. Print the scientific name Web page. (optional) |
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| Stage III: Write a Field Guide |
Print the Field Guide Web page. | |
| Stage IV: Creative Tasks |
Print your poem, story or drawing if it was created on the computer. Collect your work if it was created on paper. |
Process
Click on each of the links below in order.
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Step One: Create a Switcheroo Choose at least two animals to create your new animal! |
Step Four: Creative Tasks Once you have completed the Field Guide, select two tasks 1. Write a funny list poem about your switcheroo. 2. Write a short story about a day in the life of your switcheroo. 3. Create a drawing of your switcheroo's habitat. |
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Step Two: Name Your Animal Give you animal a name!! Make sure you print the page before you leave it or you'll lose everything. |
Step Five: Persuasive Writing OPTIONAL TASK: Write a letter persuading the local zoo to protect your animal because it has become endangered. Remember to give reasons and details to support your thoughts. |
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Step Three: Write a Field Guide Now that you have created and named your animal, you are ready to equip him or her with distinctive characteristics. Whether you joined two, three or four mammals, this new animal is a combination of the various characteristics of more than one creature. You will determine your new animal's characteristics based on those of the source animals. |
Animal List-for Reference: http://www.switchzoo.com/animallist.htm
Evaluation
Rubric for Design a Zoo Project
Rubric for Switch Zoo Project: Points Available Points Given
SwitchZoo Animal (Printed) 5 _______
Animal Name
Field Guide-Create Habitat (Printed) 5 _______
Adaptation needs for survival 10 _______
Description of the fictional animals 10 _______
Adaptations correct for the habitat 10 _______
Creative Tasks
Task #1: __________________ 25 _______
Task #2: __________________ 25 _______
Neatness 10 _______
Total 100 ______/100
Conclusion
Project Checklist
Before you leave the site, be sure to complete, print and collect these pages:
(To return to a completed page, use the Back button on your browser. If you click any other button to go back to the page, it will be refreshed and your answers will be erased).
| Stage I: Create a Switcheroo |
Print the picture of your animal. | |
| Stage II: Name Your Animal |
Print the common name Web page. Print the scientific name Web page. (optional) |
|
| Stage III: Write a Field Guide |
Print the Field Guide Web page. | |
| Stage IV: Creative Tasks |
Print your poem, story or drawing if it was created on the computer. Collect your work if it was created on paper. |
Extension Activities: Click on the links below if you additional time!
It's Feeding Time: http://www.switchzoo.com/games/feedingtime.htm
Build a Habitat: http://www.switchzoo.com/games/habitatgame.htm
Where do I Live?: http://www.switchzoo.com/games/where.htm
Examples of Poems and Drawings: http://www.switchzoo.com/creativewriting.htm
Animal Drawings: http://www.switchzoo.com/art/drawings01.htm