Process

Each team of students will specialize in ONE of the areas below:

Zoologists:

Caretakers:

Tour Guides:

Habitat Specialists:

The collaborative groups  will need to complete the following steps to accomplish this task:

1. Choose an animal that could live in the Riverbanks zoo.  When choosing an animal, consider the South Carolina climate  (located in Columbia, South Carolina) and the climate the animal needs; if they're not the same, can you change the climate or can the animal adapt to your climate? As a class, you will need to reach a consensus of which animal would make a good addition to the zoo. (Responsibility of each group)
2. Start a project folder to collect and record information, thoughts, and ideas as you work on this project.  (Responsibility of each group)
3. Write a list of questions you have or predict others might have about your animal and how it can live in your zoo. (Responsibility of each group).
   • natural habitat  (forest, aquatic, desert?)
   •  information about the animal
   • behaviors
   • possible problems of captivity
   • human impact on its survival
4. Research your animal to answer your questions. Record answers and any other necessary information you find. (Responsibility of each group).  Be sure to share what you have found with other groups!  You are working together toward a common goal!
5. When you have information about each of the categories, decide as a class :
   • Is it possible to build a zoo habitat for this animal?
   • Will this animal survive if placed in a zoo?
6. If you are confident the animal will survive, design a model of habitat as similar to its natural habitat as possible. Don't forget to consider the size of the habitat, the animal's behaviors, and safety for visitors. (habitat specialist group)
7. Now create the tour guide's script, including information about the animal in its natural habitat and human impact on that habitat. Write a fact list for the guide to refer to when people ask additional questions. (tour guide group)
8. Create a caretaker's notebook, listing food and special requirements that the new animal will require. (Caretaker group)
9. Create the educational display near the habitat, including a life cycle diagram (what the animal looks like at each stage of development), food chain diagram, geographical location, and information about how this animal is uniquely adapted to its environment. (zoologist group).
10. Each group will present their part of the  project to board members  (another class).

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