The Animal Project


7th Grade Home









Keep Track of IMPORTANT Dates:

Student Name:_______________Period #:_______

Assigned Animal(common name):______________

Written Work Due:________

Oral Presentation Date:________
BEFORE YOU BEGIN:


Download a copy of the Outline for this Project. 
You need to save this as your own (use a floppy disk) Outline and Include it with your Written Report. 
This will help you stay organized while you complete your project.
animal_outline.jpg
I.  Project Overview
 You will be asked to select an animal at random and conduct research on your subject.
This project will have 4 graded components: research, written information, a visual aid poster and an oral presentation.
Follow the steps below to complete your project. 
Each section will be worth 50 points; for a list of criteria go to the checklist for the project. 
If you have any questions, please see your Instructor as soon as possible as time is very important in completing this assignment.









II. Research





Keep Track of Important Information
Use the following links to begin your Research.
Time will be given in class to complete this research, but
additional effort will be required on an individual basis.
 www.yahooligans.com
www.google.com

 www.askjeeves.com

In addition to the Yahoo link, you will need to find two other sites on your own and list their complete URL information
(web address listed in the navigation window).
One book reference aside from your textbook is also required for this project.
We will be carrying out Internet searches in class (using the Wireless Mac iBooks) and in the library (where you will have access to a printer).
For those students with Internet access at home, you are free to work on the research component on your own.  List your references below.

Site #1 URL: _________________________________________

Site #2 URL: _________________________________________

Book Reference: ______________________________________
III. Written Information

Write a 1-2 page report about your animal.
The questions listed must be answered in your report.  Feel free to add further information than what is requested.

If you have any questions,
please ask before the project is due!


Do not wait until the last minute!!
What is the common name of your animal?
What is its scientific name?
Describe, in detail, your animal’s appearance.
What is the size of your animal? Include length and weight if possible.
Describe your animal’s habitat (where it lives).
List at least two related species (common names are acceptable).
What defenses does your animal have? How does it protect itself?
What and how does your subject eat?
We know that your animal’s kingdom is Animalia, but what is its scientific family name?
Why are you related to this animal scientifically?
Describe how your animal reproduces.
Include the number of offspring it typically has, parental care (if any), live birth or eggs, gestation period (if carried)
 and any other interesting information you find.

IV.  Visual Aid Poster Create a visual aid (poster board size) to be used during your oral presentation.
This poster should include your animal’s image (downloaded from the Yahoo site, drawn or a photograph).
The poster should include some of the written information found in the questions above.(check out these student samples)
V.  Oral Presentation
 You will be given a time slot and day to present your research to the class. This presentation may be videotaped! Your information should be transferred to index cards or memorized in order to convey all of the information you find. The presentation should take 5-10 minutes. You are strongly encouraged to be creative!! Dressing up as your animal, creating informational handouts, bringing in a live specimen (if at all possible) will only enhance your project. If you have access to a video camera, you can tape your presentation at home to be shown in class. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!!