Developing a School Wildlife Habitat Site

Developing a School Wildlife Habitat Site

This document in Microsoft Word format can also be downloaded here.

The National Wildlife Federation sponsors the Schoolyard Habitats program, a national effort to help organize and support K-12 students in cleaning up, rehabilitating and managing their school's natural habitats. Some materials are provided by the National Wildlife Federation, such as posters and handbooks, but this project provides an excellent opportunity to extend the students' interactions with the community, as well as with technological resources. To tie it in with the Insect unit, the project includes establishment of a butterfly garden (as described in the Power Point presentation).

Addressing the Michigan Core Curriculum Standards

The primary objectives of this project are addressed by several of the elementary-level Michigan Core Science Curriculum Standards & Benchmarks, including the following:

Constructing: (1) Students will generate reasonable questions about the world based on observation.

Reflecting: (4) Students will develop an awareness of and sensitivity to the natural world.

Using: (2) Students will explain common patterns of interdependence and interrelationships of living things.

Using: (4) Students will design systems that encourage growing of particular plants or animals.

Problem Statements

Some of the problems the students will face when working on this project include:

What plant, animal and fungal life exists on our school site? In what ways are they interdependent?
In what ways can we help the wildlife on our school site thrive? What changes can we make to attract more/different wildlife?
Are there any species we wish to remove or drive away?
Do we need to get any permits from the city or the school board to make changes on our school site? Are there zoning restrictions or other issues that might come up?
What will we need to do to sustain the changes and additions we plan to make?
How can we encourage the community to get involved in our project, financially and otherwise?

Computer & Other Technology Functions

The following are some of the general ways in which fourth grade students might use technology in the creation of their school wildlife habitat:

Learning Task	Technological Tool
Investigating their school site - making observations, asking questions, taking measurements	Measurement devices -- water quality detection, pH meters Recording devices -- video, photography
Researching information on existing wildlife and plant life	Library catalog and Web searching
Creating a concept map on what they know about their school site	Concept-mapping software
Creating a visual representation of the finished school site	3-D/2-D graphic software
Investigating other projects' web sites	Web
Keeping track of evidence of living things and other information gathered on the school site	Database
Calculating estimated costs of project	Spreadsheet
Consulting with local businesses and community organizations to provide financial support Creating graphs and charts outlining the scope and importance of the project	Telephone, email, word processing Spreadsheet
Writing press releases to send to the local media	Word processing
Communicating with other wildlife habitat schools to see how they're doing it, as well as to share ideas and support each other	Telecollaborative Project
Writing final reports and reflections	Word processing
Creating and developing their own Web site with pictures and information about our school wildlife habitat	Web design/HTML

Data Manipulation

While some of the technological tools described above are non-computer tools, the table below outlines the specific ways in which computers can be used in desigining and creating the school wildlife habitat.

Computer Function	Application(s)	Data Manipulation
Online library catalog/databases	Netscape Navigator	Search for books and articles on existing wildlife; format & print
Internet	Netscape Navigator	Search for quality information on existing wildlife; format & print; research existing Habitat web sites
Concept mapping	Inspiration	Create and label nodes; make links; arrange icons; enter notes; print
Drawing	AppleWorks	Design the site, with "before" and "after" layouts of plant life and structures
Word processing	AppleWorks	Write letters to local businesses & organizations; write press releases; write ongoing and final reports
Spreadsheet	AppleWorks	Enter financial data for project; calculate costs; create graphs
Database	AppleWorks	Keep a record of existing wildlife and wildlife to be added to site
Internet	Eudora	Stay connected with other habitat site planners via an email list
Scanner	PhotoDeluxe	Scan photos into computer
Web Design	Front Page	Create web page including photos and information about the site

Presentation of Results

Because the school wildlife habitat will be an ongoing project, no specific presentation to the teacher is necessary. However, students may wish to organize a Grand Opening Ceremony for the public, particularly if the community has been instrumental in helping fund the effort.

Multidimensional Learning Activities

Before students can jump into site development, there are certain steps which must be followed.

Prior to Using Computer:

KWL to discover what students know/want to know about habitat development
Direct instruction on structure of habitats, trees, shrubs, local wildlife and ecosystems
Do site survey; write notes on observations; determine which plants stay or go
Direct instruction on writing a formal letter and press release
Investigate costs of desired new plant life and structures
Make connections with community orgainizations and businesses

While Using Computer:

Continue information-seeking on selected plants and animals
Refine site design
Enter data on selected plants and animals
Enter figures on new additions to site
Word-process and print letters, press releases and final report
Scan in photos/design web site for habitat
Investigate existing wildlife habitats online

After Using Computer:

Send letters and press releases
Reflect on project orally/in writing (journals)

Supporting Activities:

Visit another local habitat site
Plan a Grand Opening Day to celebrate school habitat site!

Assessment Strategies

Students will be graded on: a) their participation in the development of the site (30%); b) the information gathered on their selected plants and animals (30%); c) their final report (30%) and d) their classmates' feedback on their group work skills (10%). A formal rubric will be applied to the report, including sections on technical skill, quality and clarity of writing and thoroughness of the report.

Implementing the Plan

Prepare Handouts

Handouts needed for the assignment include:

KWL worksheet [example | Word document ]

Tree Key and other simplified identification guides for school site [example | Word document]

Site Walk observation record sheet [example | Word document ]

Example press release [example | Word document]

Example formal letter [example | Word document]

Computer sign-up schedule [example | Word document]

Spreadsheet template [example | AppleWorks document]

Database template [AppleWorks document]

Concept map template [example | Inspiration document]

Tech Prep

Set up Home Page with links for the project
Set up desktop of all computers with shortcuts to programs and folders for saving work

Written by Maggi Rohde - maggi@intranet.org	Last updated 10/31/01
http://www.seemore.mi.org/habitat/