Animals on Parade

Animals on Parade
Fourth grade students will research rainforest animals of the world and hold what is known as a shoebox parade. Each student will decorate a shoebox to resemble a parade float. They can decorate their float with glitter, a chair or seat for their float rider, hang ribbons or create fringe around the entire sides of the float. The float will show the animal in its habitat. They will write the name of their rainforest animal (assigned by the teacher) on the side.
Students will research their rainforest animal during their library class. The school’s Media Specialist will show students how to look up books using our school’s LMS Program and how to locate the book in the library. During their computer class the students will learn how to use an Online Encyclopedia and other online sites to research their information. After researching their Rainforest animal they will write a brief description (minimum 3 paragraphs) including the following details:
• Describe physical characteristics (how your animal looks-this should include adaptations that help the animal survive)
• Diet (herbivore, carnivore, omnivore)
• Describe the animal’s habitat. (layer of the rainforest)
• Interpret how the habitat helps the animal survive.
• Identify threats to the animal’s survival.
• Why it is important to the environment to protect your animal.
We will have a parade through the school and to the neighboring senior housing apartments (Hurley Manor) where each student will present their rainforest animal and the important details to the residents. One student will also give a brief description of where the rainforest is located.
Podcasting Groups for Parade -
Group 1 – Central American Rainforest
Group 2 – The Amazon Rainforest
Group 3 – African Rainforest
Group 4 – Southern Asian Rainforest
Group 5 – Australian Rainforest

Tool Factory Podcasting software (free 30 day trial download) will be used to create the podcast showing the students presenting their floats to the senior residents of Hurley Manor. This podcast will be shared with other schools, as well as family and friends of the students and the residents of Hurley Manor.
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