ISS AS-2.1,2.2,2.3 SeaWorld Project
Addressing the Indiana State Standard AS-2.1 through AS-2.3, we are having our students research and compare animal development, activity, and emotional stability. Our driving question is, "How does being kept in captivity effect different species of sea animals' physical and mental characteristics?" We will start by having the kids connect to the animals that are kept in SeaWorld. We will show videos that are emotional yet appropriate enough to show in the classroom engaging and connecting the students emotionally to the topic. The students will be split up into groups and will each pick an animal found at an attraction at SeaWorld, for example: orca whales, dolphins, seals, sea turtles, and stingrays. In the groups the students will create an informational poster informing the other students in the class the effects on animals in captivity. After all of the informational posters are presented, each student will write a persuasive and informational letter to SeaWorld. With this letter we will be grading individual work and create a rubric that will require the kids to use what they learned from the research and presentations in their letters.
Grabber:
First, start off by showing the students the video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11bwaXRkdoA
This video was made by kids, so its a great opportunity for them to see this problem in the perspective of children just like them. This video just makes a point about how animals live when they are in captivity. Hopefully this video will get the children's emotions moving.
After the video is shown go to the website that is shown at the end of the video (provided below) and let the kids read the facts about different animals in different kinds of captivity. Discuss with the kids the different facts and have an open discussion about how they think the animals feel. After suggestions are made have them narrow it down and focus on just marine animals. This will then lead them into the project.
Poster Rubric:
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1-0 | Total | |
Content | Poster is focused around one marine animal. The poster answers questions such as, how does captivity affect the animal emotionally and physically? Should this animal be kept in captivity? and What is the use of this animal in captivity? very clearly with no unnecessary information. | Poster is focused around one marine animal. The poster answers questions such as, how does captivity affect the animal emotionally and physically? Should this animal be kept in captivity? and What is the use of this animal in captivity? very clearly with little unnecessary information. | Poster is focused around one marine animal. The poster answers questions such as, how does captivity affect the animal emotionally and physically? Should this animal be kept in captivity? and What is the use of this animal in captivity? somewhat clearly with some unnecessary information. | Poster is focused around two or three marine animals. The poster answers questions such as, how does captivity affect the animal emotionally and physically? Should this animal be kept in captivity? and What is the use of this animal in captivity? unclearly with unnecessary information. | Poster is focused around multiple marine animals. The poster does not answers questions such as, how does captivity affect the animal emotionally and physically? Should this animal be kept in captivity? and What is the use of this animal in captivity? and provides lots of unnecessary information. | |
Visual Appearance, Colors, Organization | Layout. Design, use of color, and use of space is very attractive and creative. | Layout, Design, use of color, and use of space is somewhat attractive. | Layout, Design, use of color, and use of space is not attractive enough. | Layout, Design, use of color, and use of space is distracting. | Layout, Design, use of color, and use of space is unorganized and boring. | |
Grammar, Spelling, Punctuation | Capitalization and punctuation are correct throughout the poster. | There is 1 error in capitalization and punctuation. | There are 2 errors in capitalization and punctuation. | There are more than 2 errors in capitalization and punctuation. | There are more than 3 errors in capitalization and punctuation. | |
Group and Partner Teamwork | All group members worked together in a timely manner, and split the work evenly and is clearly shown on the poster. | Most group members made contributions to project material and presentation. | Some group members contributed to project materials and presentation. | Few group members contributed to project materials and presentation. | 1 of the group members contributed to project materials and presentation. |
Individual Letter Rubric:
3 | 2 | 1 | |
Ideas and Organization | Letter is well organized with 10 different facts and ideas from the information gathered throughout the presentation and from personal research. The letter also provides a potential solution that could be done for animals in captivity and is stated clearly. | Letter is fairly organized and has 6 or more facts listed from the presentations and from personal research. The letter provides a potential solution that can be done to help the animals but is not stated clearly. | Letter is not organized and has less than 6 facts listed from the presentations and is clear that no personal research was completed. The letter does not provide a potential solution that can help the animals. |
Structure | Contains all parts to a letter. I.E. Heading, closing, date, ect. | Has only some parts of a letter. | Does not have any parts of a letter. |
Grammar and Mechanics | Capitalization is used correctly. No spelling errors. Sentences are smooth and easy to read. | Capitalization is used but not always. Contains a few spelling errors. Some sentences are run-ons. | Capitalization is not used throughout the letter. Words are misspelled. Sentences have no punctuation. |
The letter should then be used to assess the students on whether or not they have interpreted the infomation about whether captivity is wrong or right for the animals. The letter is for the students to prove whether or not places like seaworld are treating animals right or wrong. The letter should include information from all the animals in the presentations and whether or not being in captivity hurts them physial, mentally, not at all, or both.