This week saw the end of our first UOI in K1C! For the past 13 weeks we have learning all about how animals adapt to their habitats. As with all Units the last two weeks are focused on completing a task that gives students the opportunity to demonstrate all of the new knowledge they have acquired. We all know the planet is at a crucial point and we are faced with many challenges, almost all of which are of our own making. It was with this in mind that it was decided that this would be the perfect opportunity to help students understand the importance of animal conservation. The first step was to introduce a variety of endangered animals from around the world and look at the different way humans are threatening them.
There is a common expression amongst environmentalists, “Think globally, act locally”. So, for the next we moved our focus closer to home. The students were asked to choose an endangered Chinese animal that they would like to build a conservation park for. They were asked to go home and do research with their parents on what the animals’ natural habitat is, what it needs to survive, how and why it has become endangered, and what the perfect conservation park should provide to ensure its survival. Once completed, they presented their findings it to their classmates.
The final step was to get into action! Students worked together to recreate a mini conservation park for each animal. They all contributed using their own unique view points and skills. Some chose to use modelling clay, others used pens and there were even those that decided they should recycle parts from the classroom’s mini habitat areas.
Once finished it was time to display their marvellous models to the rest of their peers and teachers. We all hope that the knowledge and skills that the students of K1C acquired during this project ensures that their own futures will be bright and progressive. Hopefully one day they will be able to see these endangered animals for themselves.