Dear Marine Reporters,
Your job is to find out what marine animals need in order to survive, and learn more about how humans try to meet their needs in exhibits at zoos or aquariums. Your ultimate job is to research a marine animal, plan and design an exhibit, and create a 3-D model of a zoo exhibit to meet your animal's needs.
From,
Ms. Salchli, Editor of The Ocean
Part 1: What is a Zoo or Aquarium exhibit?
_Introduction to Habitats and
Polar Bear Zoo Habitat Design
1. In your group discuss the similarities and differences between zoo habitats and nature's habitats. Discussion points can be charted on a graphic organizer (a Venn diagram, or T-chart may be used). Be sure to make connections between what the animal needs and their environment, and include information about water needs, temperature and weather, terrain (land), vegetation (plants), food, and shelter needs in the discussion.
2. Visit Central Park Zoo Web site: http://www.centralparkzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/animals/mammals/polar-bear.aspx.
During and after reading, take notes on polar bears’ adaptations. (Use this worksheet to take notes: Marine Animal Research Question Guide)
3. Watch a few, short video clips on Gus, the polar bear at the Central Park Zoo, and discuss some of the exhibit features that are visible in the videos:
5. Based on the polar bear’ s adaptations, what will a polar bear need in its zoo habitat?
6. In partnerships, draw a sketch of plans about the ideal zoo habitat for a polar bear.
7. What kind of materials will you need to construct a 3D model of their habitat? What will be included from your drawing?
8. The class will share design ideas and consider which groups met a polar bear's needs.
1. In your group discuss the similarities and differences between zoo habitats and nature's habitats. Discussion points can be charted on a graphic organizer (a Venn diagram, or T-chart may be used). Be sure to make connections between what the animal needs and their environment, and include information about water needs, temperature and weather, terrain (land), vegetation (plants), food, and shelter needs in the discussion.
2. Visit Central Park Zoo Web site: http://www.centralparkzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/animals/mammals/polar-bear.aspx.
During and after reading, take notes on polar bears’ adaptations. (Use this worksheet to take notes: Marine Animal Research Question Guide)
3. Watch a few, short video clips on Gus, the polar bear at the Central Park Zoo, and discuss some of the exhibit features that are visible in the videos:
- http://www.youtube.com/user/WCSMedia#p/search/3/CZ4lkBtSHo0
- http://www.youtube.com/user/WCSMedia#p/search/0/q89pqQwblK0
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKc5U47yU_8
5. Based on the polar bear’ s adaptations, what will a polar bear need in its zoo habitat?
6. In partnerships, draw a sketch of plans about the ideal zoo habitat for a polar bear.
7. What kind of materials will you need to construct a 3D model of their habitat? What will be included from your drawing?
8. The class will share design ideas and consider which groups met a polar bear's needs.
Part 2: Research Ideas for a Zoo or Aquarium Habitat
1. With your partner,
select and research a marine animal, learn about its habitat, needs,
and adaptations. (Use this worksheet to take notes: Marine Animal Research Question Guide, and see Internet Resources Tab)
2. Partnerships will answer the question, based on the specific marine animal’s adaptations, what will the animal need to survive and thrive in its zoo habitat? Marine reporters can utilize the Wildlife Conservation Society's “Zoo” Tube on YouTube to peak at parts of the animal habitats at the zoo.
3. Partnerships will brainstorm lists and sketches about a successful zoo habitat for the chosen marine animal.
4. Marine reporters will brainstorm how they will represent their habitat ideas visually in 3-D. Discuss the kinds of materials you will need to construct this habitat, and what will be included from the sketch of the animal exhibit?”
2. Partnerships will answer the question, based on the specific marine animal’s adaptations, what will the animal need to survive and thrive in its zoo habitat? Marine reporters can utilize the Wildlife Conservation Society's “Zoo” Tube on YouTube to peak at parts of the animal habitats at the zoo.
3. Partnerships will brainstorm lists and sketches about a successful zoo habitat for the chosen marine animal.
4. Marine reporters will brainstorm how they will represent their habitat ideas visually in 3-D. Discuss the kinds of materials you will need to construct this habitat, and what will be included from the sketch of the animal exhibit?”
Part 3: Create a Zoo or Aquarium Habitat for your Marine Animal
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- Continue to develop, build and complete a 3-D model for your marine animal's zoo or aquarium habitat.
- Create a presentation to share your ideas with the class. The presentation must include a visual (a labeled drawing or diagram of habitat) and a 3-D representation of the animal habitat.
- Write up your presentation to communicate about your marine animal's habitat to the class. You should include information about the design considerations and how the exhibit provides for all of your animal's needs.