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Design a Zoo

Second WebQuest in Zoo Curriculum Web, developed by Michelle Warden, WIT 2003

Menu Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion

Introduction

Now that you have been to many zoo web sites and visited a real zoo,
I bet you have an opinion about which ones you like best. What is it
about the zoos you like that makes them special? What do you think
a zoo should look like? What are the responsibilities of the modern zoo?
Think about it, because you are about to embark on another
challenging activity.

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Task

Your task is to design a zoo that reflects your views about what
a zoo should look like and what services it should provide.

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Process

You will work with a partner on this WebQuest.
Mrs. Warden I need help! If this is you, then contact me.
You can also use the form to just let me know how you are doing.

Step 1: Discuss these questions with your partner.
Write a short paragraph in your journals answering these questions.

• Is the zoo fun for animals?
• Where do zoo animals come from?
• What are the important functions/jobs of a zoo?

Step 2: Now you will explore the following web sites to learn
about what some zoos are doing to help endangered species and
make their habitats more like home for the animals. Write a
short paragraph in your journals to answer these questions.

• What must zookeepers consider when planning an animal
  habitat?http://www.sandiegozoo.org/kids/jobs_science_habitats.htm http://www.nationalgeographic.com/tigers/maina.html
  
• What does endangered species mean?
  www.sandiegozoo.org or Internet Public Library-kidspace
  
• What are the zoos you visited doing to help revive the
  populations of some endangered species?
  Kids Konnect - Zoo Links

Step 3: Design the ideal zoo. You will design your own zoo using
the tools of your choice: KidPix, Kidspiration, or art supplies.

First, make a list of what you will include. Answer these
questions in your journals: What type of animals, habitats,
and other services that zoos provide to animals and people
will you include?

Second, make some sketches and experiment with
placement on the page.

Third, when you have a sketch of how the final zoo design
will look, you can use KidPix, Kidspiration, or art supplies to
make it. You will be creating a presentation for the class.
If using art supplies, you will be making a poster presentation.
If using KidPix or Kidspiration, you can do the entire project
on the computer.

Step 4: There should be a written component that describes the zoo
in more detail. This written part should also explain some of your
choices. For example, why did you choose these animals and services
to include and leave others out? This should be very neatly written
or typed.

Step 5: The last step is the presentation to the class. You should
know all the relevant information about your zoo and be able to
answer questions from the class.

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Evaluation

I will use a rubric to evaluate your journal entries, your final project,
and your presentation to the class.

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Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed designing your zoo. I also hope you learned a
little about caring for wild animals. I know I learned a lot through
our discussions and your presentations. Thanks for joining me on
this learning adventure!

Here are a few questions to get you thinking about what we learned
and where to go from here.

• Were you surprised by how much work and planning it takes to
  design a zoo?
• What do you think would have happened if you did not plan your
  zoo design first? Do you think you would have been as happy with it?
• What type of project would you like to plan next?

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This WebQuest developed by Mrs. Warden for WIT, 2003. Feel free to contact me with any comments or feedback.