Subject focus: This is a lesson integrating science, reading, and art.
Grade level: 4th grade
Background: This lesson could serve as a culminating project to a science unit on the properties and functions of plants and animals.
Anchor Standard #1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Anchor Standard #10: Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.
Materials:
• Pictures from
http://boredomtherapy.com/real-animal-hybrids/ of animal hybrids
• 8x11 white construction paper
• Coloring utensils
• Access to internet for each student to conduct research
Introduction:
Review what students have learned about the structures of different animals and how they help the animal grow and survive. Show students a few pictures from the article “18 Amazing Animal Hybrids” and have students make observations about the animals in each picture.
http://boredomtherapy.com/real-animal-hybrids/Guided Practice:
Discuss the hybrid “Liger” together as a class and notice features from both the lion and the tiger. Model how to research information about an animal’s features by working together to answer the question “what is the purpose of a lion’s mane?”. Discuss possible creative hybrids and come up with clever names to those hybrids together as a group.
Independent Practice:
Instruct students to come up with their own creative hybrid and research information about the structures of both animals. Have students create a drawing or diagram of the hybrid they created on construction paper, along with a brief write-up.
Closing:
Have students post their final project on SeeSaw (if available). Students can then complete a gallery walk by browsing the hybrids created by each student and leaving positive feedback on each post.
Assessment: Students will be assessed according to the following checklist.
Name: __________
Hybrid Animal Project Checklist
____ Title
____ Author (You!)
____ Picture combining features from both animals
____ At least 4 external or internal structure labels
____ Matching descriptions on the function of each structure
____ Any fun facts (Optional)
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