Mammals, Mammals, Everywhere!

Subject Area(s):

• K-12: Science
• K-12: Language Arts

Grade Level(s):

• 3rd-4th Grade

Description:

This is one lesson in a unit collaboratively designed between the SMLS and the classroom teacher. Students will be completing an informational report on a mammal of their choosing. They will begin by learning what distinguishes a mammal from a non-mammal. This will be done with the classroom teacher. Then they will choose a mammal to report on and begin by filling in a concept map. They will use print non-fiction trade books selected for their independent reading level to complete the "description" section of their concept map. They will also complete the "diet" section of their concept map in the same manner.

Standards:

National Information Literacy Standards (K-12)

Accesses information efficiently and effectively.

• Recognizes the need for information.
• Formulates questions based on information needs.
• Identifies a variety of potential sources of information.
• Develops and uses successful strategies for locating information.

Evaluates information critically and competently.

• Selects information appropriate to the problem or question at hand.

Uses information accurately and creatively

• Organizes information for practical application.
• Produces and communicates information and ideas in appropriate formats

Appreciates literature and other creative expressions of information.

• Derives meaning from information presented creatively in a variety of formats.

Participates effectively in groups to pursue and generate information.

• Shares knowledge and information with others.
• Subject: K-12: Science

National Content Standards (K-12)

Life Sciences

• Understands relationships among organisms and their physical environment
• Understands biological evolution and the diversity of life
• Subject: K-12: Language Arts

Writing

• Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process
• Gathers and uses information for research purposes

Reading

• Uses the general skills and strategies of the reading process
• Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of informational texts

Viewing

• Uses viewing skills and strategies to understand and interpret visual media