Classroom Pet

Introduction

     For the next couple days, we will be discussing the best fit classroom pet. There are many interesting animals to choose from so we will be gathering information about each animal and discuss the pros and cons of each.  Since having a classroom pet requires responsibility and lots of care, we have to figure out which animal will be the best fit for our classroom.  Some of our options are fish, a turtle, or a gerbil.

      

Task

            We will separate into groups to become more educated on these select animals-fish, a turtle, and a gerbil. Each group will have their own responsibilities to explore and examine information based on our options for a classroom pet.  After completing our research, we will work together to decide which animal is the best choice for our entire 2nd grade class.  Next we will create a short and creative presentation to persuade our peers why you picked that pet!  There will be three groups and each group will research the following information.        

  • Bankers: Your job is to research the cost of buying each animal and the materials/resources needed to take care of the pet.      
  • Animal Specialists: Your job is to research the facts and pros and cons of each selected animal.
  • Pet Caregivers: Your job is to research what type of daily routines are needed to take care of our pet and design a day schedule for each selected animal.











Process

Now that we understand what each group is responsible for, we can now begin our project.

#1 - RESEARCH

Each member of the group will participate and complete his or her own research.   Each person from a group will submit separate information based on their job description needed to choose our classroom pet.  Your job is to collect information meeting the specific job description listed above. 

#2 - DISCUSS

After you have found your information about our selected pets, take a few minutes to explain what you explored about each animal.  Our jobs are almost finished and we have enough information to decide what our classroom pet will be.

#3 - PRESENTATION

Each group will present their information on three selected animals.  This will help us decide as a whole class what pet will best fit our classroom.  Each group will present a team effort poster explaining the most important information.

Remember to work as a team and ask questions. If you have any questions, please ask your group partners or the teacher.











Evaluation

Each group has explained their poster and discussed the important research needed to decide our pet, now we will evaluate the information and talk about the best fit animal for our classroom pet.

 

                 
   

 

   

    

Criteria

   

    

Points

   
                                                                                                                                                     
   

 

   

    

0

   

    

2

   

    

4

   

    

6

   

    

 

   
   

Creativity/

   

Delivery

   

    

The     audience could not understand the presentation; and it was not appealing to     the audience.

   

    

The     audience was able to understand some of the presentation information, but     it was confusing.

   

    

The     audience could follow the information given and was entertained by the     interesting presentation.

   

    

The     audience could easily understand the information given and was very     entertained by the creative and interesting presentation.

   

    

____

   
   

Factual     Information

   

and     Understanding

   

    

The     group did not include any factual information about this animal and do not     understand what it is or its needs.

   

    

The     group included one fact about this animal and understands a little about it     and its needs.

   

    

The     group included one to two interesting facts about their animal and seemed     to have a good understanding of this animal and its needs.

   

    

The     group included at least three interesting facts about their animal     demonstrating a firm understanding of this animal and its needs.

   

    

____

   
   

 

   

 

   

Collaboration

   

 

   

 

   

    

The     team members did not work together to create a presentation.

   

    

The     team members were able to work together, but not everyone had an active     role in the project.

   

    

The     team members worked together with most members contributing fairly, and     used problem solving skills to come to agreements. 

   

    

The     team members worked very well together to come to agreements and problem     solve, making sure each member took an active role.

   

    

____

   
   

 

   

    

 

   

    

 

   

    

 

   

    

Total---->

   

    

____

   







Conclusion

Finally we will consider, as a class, which animal will be the best fit for our classroom.  Why we feel that this particular pet will bring the most fun and an interesting environment while teaching us a valuable lesson on its care and keeping.   We will now decide which animal will be our classroom pet.





Credits
Teacher Page

Classroom Pet

A WebQuest for 2nd Grade (Science)

Designed by

Josh Olzinski