A Second Look
12/2/2017
As we walked around and explored the zoo for the second time, it was evident that a perspective shift had occurred. Our little ones' approach to exploring the zoo had noticeably changed. No longer just kindergarteners eager to see animals (which they certainly still were!), they were zoologists and habitat investigators, looking for the necessary elements in each animals' habitat, like food, water, and shelter. There were also discussions about how each animal was protecting itself from the cold, sub-arctic climate. We looked for one or more of the 3F's: fat, fur, and feathers. As we watched a squirrel sneak food from the musk ox and hide it away above the flying squirrel's enclosure, we had a great discussion about his need to store away food for the winter since food is not as readily available. (We later found out from the zoo's education team that there are many squirrel thieves at the zoo and the musk ox is not the only victim, which the students found very entertaining.) Some of these conversations were, of course, prompted by myself and the other chaperone, but our little zoologists were able to form and articulate their thoughts about the animals' habitats and protection more adeptly and with more confidence on this trip because of the work and research we had done during this PBL project. They had worked hard for the previous few weeks to understand animal needs and why animals live where they do. Moreover, they had worked hard to understand all of these things so that they could teach others about it. As you can see, the final product is impressive, but I was most delighted in the road we had taken to create it - and the resulting growth. As we all know, growth is challenging. What you do not see in the video are the many hours of planning, critique, revision, and critical thinking that occurred behind the scenes. Visions had to be shifted, compromises had to made, and scenes had to be revised and reworked. These are the things that set PBL apart. Students not only learn the content, but they learn invaluable soft skills as well, things that cannot be taught well outside of authentic, project-based contexts. The journey might have been challenging, but I could tell from the joy and pride on their faces that seeing their movie on the big screen at the zoo made all of their hard work worth it. The zoo was so impressed with their hard work and final product that they will be featuring our movie, along with a class picture, on their Facebook page. I think our sweet little ones certainly learned that they are capable of so much more than they believe - even helping a big organization like the zoo!
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Saania AliMs. Ali graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. She specializes in Early Childhood Education, ESL, and Special Education. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, and painting! Archives
April 2021
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