1

Lesson
Title/Focu
s

Were going to the zoo! (VFT)

Cours
e

Grade 1 Science

COURSE OUTCOMES
1. Observe,describeandcomparelivingthings.
2. Giveexamplesofwaysinwhichanimalsdependonplantsandwaysinwhichplantsdependonanimals;
e.g.,particularplantsmayserveasasourceoffoodandshelter,animalsmayhelpspreadpollenandseeds.
3. Identifytherequirementsofanimalstomaintainlife;i.e.,air,food,water,shelter,space;andrecognizethat
wemustprovidetheseforanimalsinourcare.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson students will be able to:
- Students will be able to identify and compare the characteristics of different animals
- Students will be able to identify the needs of animals
- Students will be able to identify the relationships between animals
- Students will be able to create a brochure explaining the needs and characteristics of a specific
animal of their choice

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

-

Computer with Smartboard, microphone, and webcam.

Activities the Columbus Zoo provided
Plant white, pre-folded carstock for the brochure

PREPARATION AND LOGISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

-

photocopy the activities the Columbus Zoo provides

fold the cardstock into 3 sections like a brochure
test run the webcam & microphones to ensure everything is working properly

PROCEDURE
Introduction
-

Open up the Columbus Zoo main page and begin exploring the various photos
of animals
As you explore, ask the students what they already know about the animals
you are viewing
This may include: What is the name of this animal? Where does it live? What
does it eat? Is this animal similar to any other animals (eg. a lion is similar to a
pet cat)

Body

Virtual Field

Class #1
- Hand out the activity provided by the Columbus
Zoo
- Set up and start the video conference

Time

5 min

Time
45 min

2
Trip
Objectives 1, 2,
3

Class
discussion
Objectives 1, 2,
3

Brochure
Objective 1-4

Students will have opportunities to ask the

zookeepers questions during the conference
**Teacher will receive a package with hands-on
activities that should be completed during the
conference**
-

Class #2 & 3
- Have the students assemble on the carpet for a
class discussion
- Go around the carpet asking each student what
their favorite animal was from the VTF and
what they learned about it. Other students will
then have an opportunity to add any other info
that they remembered.
- Option: As visual reminder for the students
you could write a list on the whiteboard for
each animal mentioned.
- Option: You may want to write their answers
on the board for a class that has weaker writing
skills
-

Explain the brochure:

Brochure: Students will each pick their favorite
animal and create a brochure explaining the
characteristics and needs of that animal.
They must include where they live, at least 3
needs, 3 characteristics and 1 way in which
they depend on their environment (i.e. what
plants they eat, or what eats them)
Option: you could create a template for the
brochure where the student just fill in the
answers for a class that has weaker writing
skills

Closure

20 min

Time for
completio
n will vary
depending
on class

Time

Organize a class show & tell, using a random method or by volunteer. Students can show
Off their creative work to their peers while reinforcing the material.
10 min

Assessment

3
Class discussions (formative)
Brochure (Summative)
Show & Tell (summative)

4
Additional Notes: