Title: The Zoo Project
Grade Span: 3-5
Subject: Science, Geography
Assignment Type: Small Group
Recommended Time Frame: Two weeks
Summary of Project:
Students use their knowledge of animals’ needs, habitats, and adaptations to create a section of
a zoo. They are divided into groups of 3 or 4 and receive one of the following sections:
Australia, Asia, Africa, Aquarium, Aviary, or North America. The group researches 4 animals to
place in their section. They make a PowerPoint presentation (or poster) and zoo map to present
their animals and zoo. The animals should be pictured on the map in their habitat.
Materials and Resources Needed:
Whole class
Per Group
Computer for research
Large poster board or butcher
paper
Colored pencils, markers, or
crayons
Per Student
Key Vocabulary
Habitat
Carnivore
Adaptation
Herbivore
Environment
Omnivore
Engaging Questions:
1. What basic needs do animals need to survive?
2. How do animals meet their basic needs?
3. What behaviors and physical characteristics help animals to adapt and survive?
Implementing the Activity
1. Instruct students on the basic needs of animals and how adaptations help animals
survive.
2. Look at pictures of animals meeting their basic needs and discuss which needs are
being met. Discuss how those animals are adapted to survive in their environments.
3. Split students into groups and assign sections.
4. Students choose and research the habitats, facts, descriptions, and adaptations of 4
animals that would live in the section assigned (Web sites listed in Additional Notes).
5. The group puts all of the information in a PowerPoint (or on a poster).
6. The group draws a map of their zoo using the large paper provided. The map illustrates
their zoo showing the animals they have researched in the appropriate habitat.
End Result
The students will present the information to the class using PowerPoint or their posters and the
illustrated zoo map.
Rubric
CATEGORY
4
3
2
1
0
Oral
Presentation
The oral
presentation
runs smoothly.
Every member
of the group has
an equal amount
to present. It is
obvious the
group has
practiced.
The oral
presentation
runs fairly
smoothly. Each
member of the
group has an
equal amount to
present. There
may be some
confusion. The
group seems to
need a little
more practice.
The oral
presentation
does not run
smoothly. Each
member does
not have the
same amount to
present. It is
obvious there
wasn't much
practice.
The oral
There was no
presentation is
oral presentation.
very
disorganized. No
one seems to
know what
comes next. It is
obvious that the
group did not
practice.
Power Point
There is an
introductory
slide, slides for
each animal and
its habitat, and a
final slide giving
credit to
websites and
books used. The
slides are
visually
appealing.
There is an
introductory
slide, slides for
each animal and
its habitat, and a
final slide giving
credit to
websites and
books used. The
slides could be
more visually
appealing.
There may not
be an
introductory slide
or a slide for
every animal.
Credit is not
given to
websites and
books used. The
slides are plain
without much
color or design.
Many slides are There is no slide
missing. Credit is show.
not given to
websites and
books used. The
slide show does
not look finished.
Zoo
Illustrations
The illustrated
zoo is shown
accurately for
the section
assigned.
Drawings are
done neatly, in
color, and large
enough for
everyone to see.
Animals chosen
are shown in the
zoo.
The illustrated
zoo is shown
accurately for
the section
assigned.
Drawings could
be neater and
larger. Animals
chosen are
shown in the
zoo.
Some of the
illustrations may
not be accurate.
Drawings may
be sloppy and
small. Animals
chosen are
shown in the
zoo.
The illustrations
are very sloppy
and may not be
accurate. Some
of the animals
chosen may not
be shown in the
zoo.
Information
All required
information is
given and is
accurate.
Most of the
information has
been given. The
information may
not be as
extensive.
Information is
accurate.
Several parts of
the information
required are
missing. Some
may be
inaccurate.
Much of the
There is no
information is left information.
out. It doesn't
seem as though
the group
researched the
animals and
area.
There is no
illustrated zoo.
Group Work
The work has
been divided
equally among
group members.
Each member is
busy and
working when
time is given.
There are no
arguments.
The work has
been divided
equally among
group members.
Each member is
busy and
working when
time is given.
There are only a
few arguments.
The work is not
divided equally.
It seems that
one or two
members are
doing all of the
work. There are
more than a few
arguments.
Only one or two
members are
doing the work.
The group
argues
continuously. The
teacher has had
to mediate to
avoid problems.
A member
receiving a score
of 0 cannot get
along with others
and is not
contributing to
the project.
For Differentiated Instruction
The number of animals researched or the amount of information needed could be adjusted. The
amount of work required could be changed for some students. All levels are able to participate
in this activity.
Additional Notes
Most students love this project. First, they really enjoy looking up information about different
animals. They also love the drawing and illustrating of their zoos. I encourage them to research
animals that are interesting and different. I also stress giving credit on the PowerPoint to Web
sites used for research and not copying from someone else’s work. My instructions and Web
sites are listed below.
ZOO PROJECT
The (enter grade level here) has just been offered a job building a new zoo for the area. Since a
zoo is a very large project, each group will be responsible for one section of the new zoo. Your
group will be assigned one of the following sections: Asia, Africa, Australia, North America, an
aviary, and an aquarium. Your job will be to illustrate your section of the zoo using a large sheet
of paper. The habitat and animals must be represented authentically in your drawing. Be sure to
research your habitat and animals well. Your group will also give a PowerPoint presentation
explaining your habitat and animals to the classes visiting our zoo. Make sure you describe the
climate and types of vegetation in your area. Describe your animals, include a picture, tell what
they eat, and how they survive in your area (adaptations). Each section of the zoo should have
at least 4 animals. As you research your animals, you might find the following Web sites helpful:
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/ (click on animals and plants and then animal bytes)
www.oaklandzoo.org
www.mbayaq.org/ (aquarium)
http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/index.htm
http://library.thinkquest.org/5053/Asia/asiamain.html