Source: School Library Media Activities Monthly, (6:6, February 1990)

Grade Levels: 2, 3

Subject(s):

• Science/Animals
• Information Literacy

Curriculum (subject area) Objectives:
These activities may be used in connection with a science unit on animals.

Resources :
Books (Indexed books about animals, specific animals, and animal tracks) such as:
Barker, Will. Winter-Sleeping Wildlife . Harper, 1958
Branley, Franklyn. Big Tracks, Little Tracks . Crowell, 1960.
Lambert, David. Seasons . Watts, 1983.
McClung, Robert. Mysteries of Migration . Garrard, 1983.
Murie, Olaus. Field Guide to Animal Tracks . Houghton Mifflin, 1974.
Nestor, William. Into Winter . Houghton Mifflin, 1982.
Stokes, Donald. Guide to Nature in Winter . Little, 1974.

Non-print:
Animals in Winter. National Geographic Society, 1980. 1 sound filmstrip.

Instructional Roles :
The library media specialist or the classroom teacher or the two working cooperatively may use this activity with students in the library media center during one or two sessions.

Activity and Procedures for Completion :
During a study of animals, the library media specialist and classroom teacher may discuss animals habits during various times of the year including winter, especially in the cold sections of the United States. A sound filmstrip such as Animals in Winter (National Geographic) or a film may be used as an introduction to the topic. The library media specialist may then suggest that students do a research project on an animal that interests them. They will be using books with indexes to help them answer some questions. The books may be set up on a reference table.

Two charts may be made for students to follow after they have been introduced to the assignment. On one chart, animals from different classifications may be listed, along with some sample questions which must be answered.  The questions may be formulated by the class or supplied by the library media specialist.

Sample Animal Classifications :

Insects
Flies

Birds
Geese

Fish
Trout

Amphibians
Frogs

Reptiles
Snakes

Mammals
Raccoons
Bears

Sample Questions :
Which animals stay underground or hibernate?
Which animals migrate and which ones stay in their regular environment?
Which animals produce these kind of tracks as they search for food?

(Use a section of tracks which may be found in several of the books of animals tracks.)

After the students have reviewed the list of animals and the questions which they must answer, they may be introduced to an index format, using a transparency. The library media specialist may select an animal and suggest at least two ways to think about the question:

1. Search for the topic in the question (i.e., hibernation).
2. Search for the name of the animal and then various aspects of the animal's behavior.

The library media specialist may ask the students to practice the process together so that they understand how to use the index and how to think about the topic and question. A second chart, with a sample index and an outline of the process of finding the answers to the questions, may be displayed. This chart may be kept near the books which the students will use. Each child may choose an animal and begin the research. The answers may be written on a worksheet.

Sample Process for Using the Index to Find the Answers to Your Question :

1. Think about the question. What is the key word that will help you find an answer? Should you look for this word or look for the name of the animal and then look for words about the animal's behavior?

2. Open an animal book that looks might contain information about your question. Find the index (usually in the back of the book).

3. Search for the key word you have chosen in the alphabetical list of words in the index.

4. When you find the word, look for the page number.

5. Turn to the page.

6. Look for the word on that page and see if there are facts which answer the question.

7. If not, try the index again, searching other pages listed beside the key word, or choose another key word.

Worksheet:

Name:
Animal:
Question:
Answer:
Book Title and Page Number:
Question:
etc.

Evaluation :
The student will use a book index to find specific information.

Follow-Up :
The student may:

 
• Formulate and research other questions about animals in winter.
• Follow the same pattern to answer questions about animals in spring, summer, and fall.