Third Grade
Rain Forest Information
Third graders have officially started their rain forest unit! This is a cross-curricular unit that includes several subjects: Language arts, geography, math, science, art, computer, and oral language presentation.
Students, along with teachers and daring parent volunteers, will be constructing a rain forest in the back half of the music room. This has become a favorite third grade tradition that many people from our community will come to see and tour. This year we will even be conducting tours during the 25th Anniversary picnic on April 27.
Of course, no rain forest would be complete without animals! Each student has selected a rain forest animal that he/she will become an expert on during this unit. Starting Tuesday, March 25, students will write a research paper at school on their individual animals. Students are encouraged to bring in sources from home such as library books, personal books, or magazine articles. Students may also use the internet to find information on their animal. Please make sure to record the sources, including websites, for the bibliography page. As students conduct research, they should be on the look out for the physical characteristics of their animals, where their animals can be found, what the enemies and prey of their animals are, interesting facts about their animals, and whether or not their animals are endangered.
A
life-size, three-dimensional model of the assigned animal is to be constructed
at home. Although many parents may panic
at the initial thought of this, the animal will become a family project that everyone
enjoys! We do ask that the third grade
student take a large part in the planning and construction of the animal. Students may construct the animal out of any
material that they wish. Some suggestions: fabric, chicken wire, paper mache, molding clay, Styrofoam, recycled materials – milk
cartons or cardboard boxes. If your
child has a very large animal, he/she has the option of making the animal in
the baby stage. Ms. Kido has pictures,
and some donated animals, in her room if you would like to see some
examples. Animals are due on Friday, April 4.
The students will be giving tours of the rain forest to visitors and the rest of the school starting Thursday, April 17. Our night time tour will be on Earth Day: Tuesday, April 22, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Each student will sign up for a 30 minute slot to give tours on that evening. We will also need some students available to give tours on Sunday, April 27, during the 25th Anniversary picnic at the school.
We are very excited about this unit. Please let us know of any questions or suggestions that you might have. Thanks for your support!!
Ms. Kido and Ms. Bauer