Kindergarten Takes a Trip to the Zoo

Students create a class iMovie project that illustrates what they learned at the zoo. Students write, draw pictures, and tell about the animals they visited at the zoo. All elements are incorporated into the project, reinforcing their experience at the zoo.

The culminating activity for a study of zoo animals is in part a compilation of mini-research reports from small groups of students. First, the class gathers information about zoo animals by reading books and visiting websites (if an Internet connection is available). The class prepares a list of animals they expect to see and want to learn more about on a visit to the zoo. A visit to a local zoo is arranged. The teacher uses a digital video camera to capture film clips of the animals on the students’ list. The students can use digital still cameras (with assistance) to take photos of the animals. Upon their return to the classroom, the class brainstorms things they saw and what they learned about each animal on the list. They then each write about a favorite animal and complete a drawing to illustrate their text. Their work is captured with a scanner and saved as a JPEG file. These files and photos taken at the zoo are then imported into iPhoto. Students then work in groups of three to write a riddle about one of the animals at the zoo, using information they learned to write the riddle. Students are videotaped reciting their riddle. The teacher imports the video clips into one iMovie project and edits them. The photos and images of the students’work are imported from iPhoto with students’ assistance. Students vote for music for the background. The music is imported into iTunes and then inserted in the iMovie project.

After completing this project, students will be able to:

• Identify animals found in a zoo.
• Describe traits and characteristics of zoo animals.
• Write about and share their experiences at the zoo.

After completing this project, students will be able to:

• Use a digital still camera.
• Use a scanner to capture their work.
• Use iPhoto to import and organize images (with assistance).
• Understand how iMovie is used to create a movie project.

• Brainstorming and discussions can be used to check for understanding.
• Riddles can be read to check for understanding of animal traits.
• Students' writing can be assessed for content.

Books

• Various books about zoo animals, including Aliki, My Visit to the Zoo , 1997
• Zoo Books magazines

Internet

• Animal Bytes
• Animals A-Z (facts)

Tools

Macintosh computers (computer with a SuperDrive or CD burner is optional), digital video camera, digital still cameras, tripod, scanner, Internet connection (optional), iMovie, iPhoto, iTunes, iDVD (optional), Kidspiration (optional), background scenery for filming, art materials