Grades 3-5 FutureKids Unit 2 ~ World Wildlife

Venn Diagram ~ Animal Habitats

 Description of the Unit:  In World Wildlife, the second of five units, the children use a database application to identify and locate an animal missing from the World Wildlife Zoo.  They are introduced to basic database functions in the first lesson as they sort a list of zoo animals.  In the lessons that follow, they enter information into new records, and format database tables and forms.  By filtering these accumulated data, they discover why the animal escaped and determine where to locate it.  In the process, the students use their desktop publishing skills to create a MISSING! poster and a newsletter reporting the animal's safe return to the zoo.

  Lesson One ~  In this lesson, the first of the unit, the children will be introduced to basic database skills as they manipulate a list of zoo animals.  They will begin by creating a Venn diagram containing zoo animals with specific environmental needs and then will use the diagram to determine which environment is missing an animal.  Next, they will sort a database table alphabetically to determine which animal fits the environmental criteria.  Finally, once the animal's identity is revealed, the students will complete the diagram.

  Materials ~ 

  Opening ~  Introduce students to the idea that in this unit they will assist the World Wildlife Zoo in locating a missing animal by identifying and registering the animal, creating an animal profile, and then locating and returning the animal to the zoo.

Discuss student trips to the zoo.  Which types of animals did they see?  Where did the animals live?  What did the animals do?  Discuss that certain animals have specific environmental needs, such as trees, water, or other animals with which to play.

Explain that students will assist the World Wildlife Zoo in determining which animal is missing.  First, they will complete a diagram indicating which animals live in specific environments and then will use the diagram to determine which environment is missing an animal.  Finally, they will use a database program to determine the animal that lives in the identified environment.

 

~ SAMPLE of Lesson One: Venn Diagram ~ Animal Habitats

 

 

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