Introduction
Have you ever noticed how many animals are a part of your everyday life? Whether it's reading about animals, watching tv shows about them, going to the zoo or the aquarium, living with them, or just seeing them around you know that they are amazing creatures! Our world is filled with so many different types of animals that can range from the furry to feathery, from tiny to large. You are about to go on a special journey of discovery about one animal! 
Task
During this journey, you will be researching an animal using various websites. You will be taking notes on your animal to help you gather information. You will later be writing a full report on this animal, so make sure that you are not only gathering data, but also that you truly understand what you are reading & writing down. It is important for you to become an expert on your animal!
Process
Step 1: Choose an animal that you want to learn more about and research. Please choose an animal that you have not already researched before. It should be an animal that you want to learn more about - not an animal you already know everything about.
Step 2: Using the handout sheet, research your animal to find the answers to the questions. You are welcome to find more information that what is asked of you! :)
Step 3: Once you have answered the questions and you feel confident with your research, you may start planning your research project. Remember, you have to include all of the information that you were asked to find!
Step 4: You will type your research paper on the computer. For your font, you may choose Arial, Tahoma, or Times New Roman. Font size should be either 12 or 14.
Websites:
These are the websites you may use to find information --
- animalhabitats.org A quick guide to animal habitats
- http://www.enchantedlearning.com/Home.html Animal Facts
- http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/ National Geographic
- http://www.defenders.org/animal-factsheets Facts about animals
- https://www.fws.gov/endangered/ Endangered Species
- http://kids.sandiegozoo.org/ San Diego Zoo
- http://www.nwf.org/kids/ranger-rick/animals.aspx Ranger Rick
- http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/animals.html Science Kids
- http://www.softschools.com/facts/animals/
- http://www.kidsplanet.org/factsheets/map.html
- http://nationalzoo.si.edu/default.cfm Smithsonian National Zoo
Evaluation
Your grade will consist of multiple parts: your research from the handout, your final research paper, and your oral presentation.
3-LS1-1. Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death.
3-LS2-1. Construct an argument that some animals form groups that help members survive.
3-LS4-2. Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.
3-LS4-3. Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
