The unit entitled "Endangered Animals" will explore seven habitats: grasslands, wetlands, mountains, rain forests, oceans, deserts and tundra. How to Identify and classify animals into six different species will be learned. The main characteristics of mammals, birds, fish, insects, amphibians and snakes will be covered. The causes of animals becoming endangered will be covered as well as finding out what can be done to prevent animals from endangerment and/or extinction.
Each member of the Bio-Team can use the hyperstudio program to review information they have learned about Endangered Species. Travel through all the habitats and read the posted information. Don't forget to do the question and answer section. You never know when you may be quizzed on Endangered Species!
Discuss with the students on how to use this hyperstudio program. View the key card and menu card on the computer to show them how to navigate in the program. Tell the students to make sure they see all the habitats.(Teacher's Note*Do not forget activity found at the tundra habitat) They can work by themselves or as a team to view the hyperstudio program. If new data is found that they can use in their own database, they need to report to the Bio-Leader for permission to add to their database when time is available. Explain to them that this program is used to review what they have already or should have learned in class. (Teacher's Note*More information about Hyperstudio may be necessary if this lesson is the first time Hyperstudio is introduced to the class.)
Make sure that everyone has had a chance to see the hyperstudio program. Ask the children: What did you like best? What was your least favorite? Did anyone find animals they would like to add to their databases? Have you started on new assignment? Did anyone miss the new assignment? Our next activity will be to decide what animals to put in the hyperstudio's Tundra Habitat. Since everyone is becoming an expert on Endangered Species, the students will be ready to show-and-tell other classrooms and their own families all about the different activities and computer lessons there have been for this Unit on Endangered Species.
Make sure every student has used the hyperstudio program. Have team-mates help those students still having problems.