Erin Koerselman

MAT 664
Animal Project Lesson

Grade 4
Utah Core
Science Standard 5:
Students will understand the physical characteristics of Utah's wetlands, forests, and deserts and
identify common organisms for each environment.
Objective 2:
Describe the common plants and animals found in Utah environments and how these organisms
have adapted to the environment in which they live.
Objective 4:
Observe and record the behavior of Utah animals.
b. Describe how the behavior and adaptations of Utah mammals help them survive winter (e.g.,
obtaining food, building homes, hibernation, migration).
Reading Standards for Informational Text:
Reading: Informational Text Standard 1 (Key Ideas & Detail):
Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when
drawing inferences from the text.
Reading: Informational Text Standard 9 (Integration of Knowledge & Ideas):
Integrate information from two texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the
subject knowledgeably.
Writing Standard 2, a-e
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

Personal Objective: I will research an animal found in Utah, specifically its habitat, food
source, characteristics, behavior and adaptations to survive winter, and will present findings in a
final product.

Final Product Choices:

1. Informational book with illustrations.
• Format of choosing (ask teacher for blueprints).
• At least 5 pages, well-organized to match your essay.
• Clear drawings or pictures from magazines or internet and are relevant.
• Has personal style and is interesting.
2. Sway presentation with graphics.
• At least 5 slides.
• Information is well-organized and matched that of your essay.
• Pictures are relevant to the subject.
• Has personal style and is interesting.
3. Poster with graphics.
• Information is presented in a neat, organized manner.
• Drawings or pictures are relevant to the topic.
• Has personal style and is interesting.
Success Criteria:
1. I will draw three pieces of evidence from informational text.
2. I can draw 4-5 pieces of evidence from informational text and convey in a final product that
demonstrates good understanding; some spelling and grammar mistakes.
3. I can draw at least 5 pieces of evidence from informational text and convey in a final product
that demonstrates strong understanding; little to no spelling and grammar mistakes.

Introduction:
• Explain to students they will be researching an animal found in Utah. Then they will
write a 5-paragraph essay. For their final project, they have the choice of an informational
book with illustrations, a sway presentation, or a poster with graphics (pictures). Let
students know they will be handing in their research (graphic organizer) and 5-paragraph
essay along with their final project. Then we will have a class gallery stroll so they can
see each other’s projects.

Procedural Steps:
1. Students choose an animal for the project.
2. Students research their animal using graphic organizer for support. (1-2 days)
• Go over graphic organizer and search criteria for students’ reports: habitat, food source,
characteristics, behavior and adaptations to survive winter, and other interesting facts.
• Review computer and internet rules & etiquette; suggest websites.
• Roam the room for support and to make sure they are finding sufficient information.
3. Begin pre-writing. Give students the Informative Pillar organizer.
• Explain that they will organize their research notes into three main ideas and provide
supporting details for each.
• Students will need to have their Informative Pillar organizer approved before writing
their essay.
5. Final drafts and individual conferences (1-2 days).
• Check students’ writing and help them determine what is/is not working (do they have
good organization, details, wording, etc.).
• After conferencing, determine and conduct needed mini lessons (i.e., paragraph structure,
transition words).
6. Sign-up sheet for students who need additional conferencing.
7. Final project (2-3 days): when students have completed their essays with approval of the
teacher, may begin their final projects.
• Student conferences with teacher to go over final project; what will student do and steps
they will take to complete it.
• Student works to complete final project.
• Teacher roams the room and scaffolds/conferences as needed.
8. Students present final projects in a classroom gallery stroll.

Reflection: When creating my own animal report, I felt like the expectations were pretty clear. I
could probably specify a minimum number of pictures/drawings. For this lesson, I would have
book templates and posters available.
 4th Grade Expository Writing Rubric

Student: ____________________ Teacher:_____________ Date:________

4-Excellent 3-Acceptable 2-Below Average 1-Unacceptable

Score Traits
CLEAR, WELL ORGANIZED, WELL DEVELOPED IDEAS
____4 Introductory paragraph (Includes a main idea)
____3 Concluding paragraph (summarizes points presented)
____2 At least 3 other paragraphs that include a topic sentence and 3-4
____1 supporting detail sentences
Research paper includes facts presented in their own words (paraphrase, do
NOT copy word-for-word from the book)

CONVENTIONS: GRAMMAR, USAGE, MECHANICS

No run-on sentences. (Incorrect: The sun is not a planet, the sun is a star.)
No sentence fragments. (Incorrect: Although the moon orbits the earth.)
____4 Subject/verb agreement (Incorrect: Astronauts is very important.
____3 Correct: Astronauts are very important.)
____2 Punctuation is correct. (. ? ! “ “ ,)
____1 Capitalization is correct. (Beginning of sentences and proper nouns)
Spelling is correct (High frequency words and vocabulary used in your book are
correct.)
Paragraphs are indented correctly.
Written legibly (Your handwriting is neat, and I can read it.)

SENTENCE VARIATION IN PARAGRAPHS AND WORD CHOICE

____4 Overused and repetitive language is avoided
____3 Transitional words/phrases are used (First, Finally, In addition)
____2 Compound sentences used
____1

Total Comments from the teacher:

Score:
___ / 16