Animal Research and Writing

• There are multiple levels provided to meet the different needs of students.

• Research can be completed as a whole group, in small groups, or independently.

• Research and writing can be done over multiple days.

• Students should be encouraged to choose an animal that they are interested in learning more about. Younger students may need guidance when choosing an animal.

• This activity should be done as a companion to a study on animals and climate change. Students will need some background knowledge before attempting this activity.

• It is important to note that the concept of endangered animals may be difficult for some students. Be sure to check in and provide a safe space for students to share their feelings related to this topic.

Possible Sources for Research

• school or local library

• Epic! Books - free accounts available for teachers

• National Geographic Kids

• Active Wild

• Kiddle

• IUCN Red List

In this exercise, students can study to gain knowledge about how animal biodiversity is affected by climate change. They may evaluate and categorize the susceptibility of animals in the context of climate change thanks to its supplementary information. Use of this activity in the classroom is advised following the science review.

Primary Standards

• Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
  • Writing (K-12)
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.K.2 Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose informative/explanatory texts in which they name what they are writing about and supply some information about the topic.
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.K.7 Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., explore a number of books by a favorite author and express opinions about them).
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.2 Write informative/explanatory texts in which they name a topic, supply some facts about the topic, and provide some sense of closure.
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.7 Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., explore a number of "how-to" books on a given topic and use them to write a sequence of instructions).
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.2 Write informative/explanatory texts in which they introduce a topic, use facts and definitions to develop points, and provide a concluding statement or section.
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.7 Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., read a number of books on a single topic to produce a report; record science observations).