After our pumpkin investigation, we asked the students what they would like to learn about. After listing and making several graphs- it became evident that our students really liked animals. As Ms.West and I brain stormed what exactly would be a good way to begin learning about animals- we decided that learning about pets might be the best way to start since most of the kids were familiar with or had a pet of their own.
We started by allowing the students to share pictures of their pets with the class. Parents sent me emails of their child's pet so we could pull it up on the screen.
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Students also created questions that they wanted to answer about pets.
Students also chose a pet that they wanted to learn more about... which formed our research groups. Each group researched information about the needs and wants of their pet and the best way to take care of it so they could build a pet shelter.
We read a lot of books about veterinarians and students created a vet's clinic in our home living area. They made the sign for our Pet Care Clinic.
We set up a front desk with a sign in sheet, register and phone.
We had shelves to hold our medical supplies.
We made a space for our vet and vet techs to work.
We also made a place for the animals to stay. The students labeled each cage.
We made a place to do x-rays with our light table. We even got some real x-rays from the vet's office where I take my cat Molly.
I found some great lab coats at the thrift store!
One of our friends made a sign for the waiting area.
They also drew pictures of different pets for our waiting area.
Students worked in groups to learn about the animal they chose. Then they shared what they had learned with the class.
Once students had done the research with their group- they worked to create the shelter for their pet. There was a lot of painting, gluing, cutting and crafting going on! We used oversized boxes for the base of the shelter. The fish, frog and snake shelters are horizontal to look like tanks while the shelter for the bird, cat and dog are vertical. Each group made sure to include everything that their pet would need to survive and be happy.
Students also worked in centers to explore pets more. Here are some of our center areas:
Sensory Table
Students used this area as a pet grooming station.
Building Area
Students used blocks to make different structures for the pets to live and play in.
Loose Parts Area
Students used loose parts such as fish beads, gems, rocks, pipe cleaners and ribbon along with scrap booking paper and clear fish tank bowls to design their own fish tanks.
Clay Play Area
Students used the play-dough along with some natural materials to make birds and bird nests.
Math Area
Students used beads to make pattern snakes.
We also got to visit Mrs. Lewis- one of our second grade teachers. She has a pet lizard named Pancake. She let us touch him and see his tank. She also told us how she takes care of him.
Once our shelters were finished we wrote facts that we learned.
Each pet shelter was put in the hallway with the web of the pet's needs.
This is the dog's shelter designed too look like a dog house. The students included two dogs, food bowls, a bone, a ball, newspaper and a blanket.
This is the bird's shelter. We chose a parrot so we made our shelter a hollow tree. The students included a pond, food like flowers, nuts, beans and fruit, toys, and a mirror.
This is the frog tank. The students included large rocks, a bridge, leaves, moss and water.
This is the fish tank. The students included rocks, shells, gems, a castle, a treasure box, plants and coral reef.
This is the snake tank. The students included rodents, rocks, leaves, a large bowl and hiding places.
We closed out our pet investigation today by having each group share facts about their pet, what they included in their shelter and how they made each item.
Next week we will invite the other classrooms in the building to come see our pet shelters. We will now transition into hibernation. We can't wait to see how it all turns out!
