Utilizing Scientific Inquiry in Creative Writing
Summary
In this activity students will select and investigate the characteristics of an organism. They will use the knowledge gained in observation or research as a basis for creative writing and graphic art. This writing will be "published" as well as utilized for performance with an audience.
CollapseLearning Goals
In this activity students will determine the specific dietary, habitat, and reproductive strategies of an organism through research and/or observation. Students will develop the skills to write creatively and accurately. They will illustrate their work. Depending on the particular strategy or learning goals of the teacher, concepts learned will include: organism adaptations to changing conditions, the relationship between producers and consumers, the energy transfer in the food chain. Appropriate vocabulary would include: habitat, nutrients, camouflage, and interactions
Context for Use
This activity is extremely easy to adapt. It works best as an individual product utilizing a writer's workshop format, with student writing as a main goal. Quality work will require at least 2 or 3 hours of student effort. Attaining the background factual knowledge is key. Ideally that would include observation of an organism in its natural habitat and include sketches and field descriptions. If this is not possible, research on the web or in a text will suffice.
Description and Teaching Materials
Students will choose roles that will give them a target audience and an impetus for creative and persuasive writing. Essentially, students will be using their imaginations to market goods or services to chosen organisms. Some examples might include: a chef creating a menu (diet), a real estate agent (habitat), a matchmaker (reproduction), daycare (nurturing young), building supplies (homes). The project will be completed with a quality graphic illustration.
Teaching Notes and Tips
A teacher created example is a big motivator. This is a big departure from the report type of format. Encourage the students to be creative and to have fun.
Assessment
This could be assessed utilizing several of the 6+1 writing traits. Students also need to be assessed for their scientific accuracy. Because students will be reading these aloud to others it can also be assessed for that purpose.
Standards
Science
III Earth Structure and Processes
IV Life Science
C. Interdependence of Life
F. Flow of Matter and Energy
Language Arts
Subpart 1. B. Vocabulary Expansion
Subpart 2. B. Elements of Composition
D. Research
Subpart 3. A. Speaking and listening
III Earth Structure and Processes
IV Life Science
C. Interdependence of Life
F. Flow of Matter and Energy
Language Arts
Subpart 1. B. Vocabulary Expansion
Subpart 2. B. Elements of Composition
D. Research
Subpart 3. A. Speaking and listening