The Mammal Unit starts with a class discussion about what makes mammals special.  The class brainstorms a list of mammals and each student selects a mammal he/she is interested in studying. Over the next several weeks the students focus on learning more about their selected mammal.  This is accomplished through a variety of interdisciplinary, multiple-intelligence learning tasks.  Research is carried out on the Internet with the help of Middle Level students.  Tall Tales, such as Paul Bunyan, John Henry, Johnny Appleseed and Abiyoyo, are read and discussed; then each students writes their own Tall Tale.  Paintings and papier mache' representations of the mammal are created.  The culminating event is the "Mammal Fair" to which parents, other classes, administrators, and community members are invited.  Each student displays the product of his/her research and fields questions from guests.

   Activities in this curriculum unit are aligned with the Vermont Framework of Standards and offers multiple learning opportunities by which to assess the Standards addressed.  Students are responsible for completing nineteen (20) different components during the course of the unit, including eleven (11) assessment items.  Student products are assessed by the student, peers, and the teacher; utilizing a variety of assessments including task-specific rubrics, checklists as well as photographic documentation to create an assessment portfolio.

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If you have questions or comments please contact Janet Steward