Exploring the Zoo with Our FiveSenses: Emphasis on Invertebrates

The National Zoological Park
Smithsonian Institution
3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 673-4800 (Recorded Info)
(202) 673-4989 (Group Tours)

Instructional Unit:
This field trip will enhance the knowledge of students in the area of invertebrates.

Curriculum Unit:
Grade K, 1, 2, 3
Science

Objectives:
1. The student will name or draw two objects under each of the five sensory modes he/she experienced during the zoo visit.
2. The student will state the difference between a vertebrate and an invertebrate and classify ten different animals into the appropriate group with 70% accuracy.
3. The student will be exposed to many sizes and shapes of animals, enjoying the variety of color, textures and shapes they observe.
4. The student will walk in close proximity to the adult of the small group and respond independently to simple, oral directions at all times. Impulsive students will hold an adult's hand in large, open spaces or highly congested areas.

Pre-Visit Activities:
1. Brainstorming about every animal the students could possibly see at the zoo.
2. Chart five senses - predict several things under each sensory mode. ie., contrast objects within each of the senses - animals that make loud noises or quiet noises.
3. Compare vertebrates to invertebrates: show skeletal systems and compare to animals without skeletal systems.
4. Introduce invertebrate vocabulary and plan one activity per day around that word prior to the zoo visit.
5. Categorize vertebrates and invertebrates using picture cards.
6. Laminate zoo map and chart walking tour with erasable marker.
7. Address safety issues at the zoo: staying close to adult and assigned group, what to do if lost.

On-Site Activities:
1. Walking Tour: Follow Olmstead Walk - stagger small groups so that not more than 2 small groups are at one exhibit. Adult is recording childrens' observations and categorizing them under the five senses chart; each adult is using writing, taping or photographs to record observations.
2. Guided Tour of Invertebrates: Divide group by the three classes represented - each class given a half hour assigned time slot. Observe and touch objects in the eleven sections of the invertebrate area. Watch one feeding of an invertebrate.

Follow-Up Activities:
1. Listen to tape of voices and sounds at the zoo.
2. Make class booklet with pictures - children narrate pictures.
3. Make playdough sculptures of animals.
4. Play animal memory - match mother and baby.
5. Play animal charades.
6. Children write thank you notes to the zoo and adult helpers.
7. Make animal collage to display on hall bulletin board.

Appendices:
None

Bibliography:
Creature Features, Animal Clues, Mystery Monsters by David Drew
Insects are Animals by Judith Holloway and Clive Harper
Ants are Fun by Mildred Myrick
Crayfish, Crabs, Hermit Crabs adopted by Kathleen Pohl
Hide and Seek edited by Jennifer Coldrey and Karen Goldie-Morrison
Octopus by Evelyn Shaw
Jellyfish and other Sea Creatures by Oxford Scientific Films
Insects are amazing (filmstrip) by National Geographic
An Ant Colony by Heiderose and Andreas Fischer-Nagel
Big Ones, Little Ones by Tana Hoban
Animals that Travel, Secrets of Animal Survival, Animals that live in Trees, Animals that Build their Homes, How Animals Hide, Animals that live in the Sea by National Geographic Society - Books for Young Explorers

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