The Awesome Armadillo

							                           The Awesome Armadillo
                    A web quest for 3rd grade learning support students

                                 Designed by Kent Daubert



                                        Introduction

They call us the Armagh Armadillos, but do we really know anything about the
armadillo?

What kind of armadillo does the picture of our mascot resemble?

Where do Armadillos live and what habitat do they like?

How many different kinds of armadillos can you find?

Do armadillos actually wear armor?


You are going to learn about different types of armadillos to find out the answers to these
questions. When you are done you are going to create your own armadillo with the
information you have learned.




                                           Task

You will read about different types of armadillos using the Internet resources on the
process page. In your group, you will draw a picture of an armadillo, use modeling clay
to create your armadillo, create a habitat for your armadillo, and present your information
to the class.


                                          Process

Step 1

        Pick a partner.
        Each person picks an armadillo from the can of choices.
        Each piece of paper in the can contains the armadillo’s name and a picture
Step 2

         On the KWL chart provided list the things you know about the armadillo
         On the KWL chart list the things you want to know
         Click the link to find out more about your armadillo
          http://moourl.com/42b1j
         After reading about your armadillo, get with your partner and use the Venn
          diagram provided, and list how the armadillos are alike and how they are
          different.

Step 3.

         Draw a picture of your armadillo


Step 4

         You are going to use the shoe box and materials provided by the teacher to create
          a model of your armadillo’s habitat.
         Be sure to include the type of earth or ground they live in
         Include a shelter they could use, (hole in the ground, logs, brush pile)

Step 5.

         Using modeling clay create your armadillo. Make it so it will fit inside or your
          habitat you created in the shoe box.

Step 6

         Share your Venn diagram and armadillo habitat with your class.
         Include the habitat where they are found
         Include what part of the world they are found in
         Include what type of shelter they live in.
         Include how many babies they have and how often they have babies




Evaluation

Your group will be evaluated on your Venn diagram, your habitat and your presentation
to the class. The total project is worth 50 points.
      Make sure your Venn diagram is complete ____/10
      Make sure your habitat is neat          ____/10
      Make sure you and your partner both present your habitats and Venn diagrams
       loud and clear. (include)
          o Where they are located in the world ____/5
          o What type of habitat they live in
                   What kind of soil or ground do they prefer ____/5
                   What they like to eat ____/5
                   What they use for shelter ____/5
                   When and how many babies do they have ____/5
                   How long do they live ____/5


Conclusion

There are a lot of different armadillos found across the world. Which one is your
favorite? Discuss with the class how you could convince the principal to put its picture on
the front of the school.




Teachers Page

Introduction:

In this unit Third Grade Learning Support Students will be introduced to different types
of armadillos and be able to discuss their similarities and differences, where they live and
what they eat.

This unit was organized to give a general introduction to armadillos and their
characteristics. You can do this unit in short time slots, or group a couple of tasks
together. To do all tasks in one setting would be to overwhelming for the children. I
recommend to stretch it out for four or more lessons. This is interdisciplinary to link
literacy, visual and performing arts together.

Learners:

This lesson is designed for third grade learning support students that attend Armagh
Elementary School where the mascot is the armadillo. The unit relates to Living Things,
Life Science, and Visual and Performing Arts. This lesson can easily be adapted to First
or Second grade Learners.

Prior to the unit, it is not necessary for the children to know anything about armadillos.
Only high curiosity is needed.
Resources:

The only human resource you need is enthusiasm to teach this interdisciplinary unit and
some patients to assist the readers.

To best teach this unit, look over carefully all the parts of each task and possibly:

      Gather nonfiction and fiction trade books to enhance comprehension.
      Having axes to the Internet.
      Pre explore armadillo web site to see what would best suit your class.
      Make sure you have the exact number of armadillo choices for the number of
       students participating
      It is imperative that the Nine Banded Armadillo choice is taken, due to it is the
       only armadillo that is prevalent in the US.




Evaluation:

One of the best ways to evaluate the student’s knowledge of the subject is have them
complete a KWL chart (What I know about armadillos, What I want to learn about
armadillos, and what I have Learned about armadillos.)

Venn Diagram is neatly completed              ____/ 10 points
Habitat modal is neatly completed            ____/ 10 points
The oral presentation was clearly stated     ____/ 30 points



The KWL chart and Venn Diagrams are found on the next two pages.
The Awesome Armadillo
Name__________________                        Date______________


KWL Chart
Before you begin your research, list details in the first two columns. Fill in
the last column after completing your research.


Topic____________________________________________________


     What I Know            What I Want to Know            What I Learned