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Project Goal

Our student’s scores in lifecycles were in the below average range for our school. In order to be strategic in our lessons we wanted for fifth graders to become the experts while digging deeper into life cycles the needs of
animals. As the teacher of the lessons they need more in depth knowledge to answer questions and teach the first graders. This cross of grade levels and curriculum initiative is one research shows will improve
engagement, knowledge, and scores. 

 

How Project Benefits Students

Hatching chicks from the egg is one of the greatest ways to teach lifecycles and so many other concepts in the classroom . Whether it’s kindergartners learning about life cycles or fifth graders gaining a more in-depth knowledge of animal biology. The benefits to students goes beyond raising test scores.
We learn many aspects of our natural surroundings, because science is everywhere!
Farm animals have specific names according to their gender and age. For example, an adult female sheep is called a ewe and an adult male is called a ram. While more terminology exists, this lesson focuses on the names of adult males, females, and babies. Those involved in the production of livestock animals must understand the needs of animals at each stage in their life cycle. These agriculturalists realize that they are raising livestock for two major purposes for meat and to reproduce. Farmers and ranchers feed and care for animals according to their needs, which depend upon their age and their location.
Farm animals and humans have similar necessities of life to live and grow. Humans and animals both require food, water, and shelter. However, these life necessities are fulfilled in different ways. Humans
need clean or purified water. Animals can drink from streams, ponds, and other natural water sources and generally be unaffected by microorganisms that make humans sick. Both animals and humans
require healthy food for their diet. Most farm animals thrive on feed that humans cannot digest. For example, cows, goats, and sheep have a multi-compartment stomach which allows them to break down
and use the energy and nutrients found in grass and hay. These farm animals then convert their energy into food humans can eat, such as meat and milk. Animal and humans both need shelter from harsh
elements—heat during cold weather and cool air during extreme heat. Humans regulate body temperature with their physical environment. We generally live in heated houses to protect ourselves from the cold and use blankets and sweaters to keep warm. Animals have natural defenses. Thick hair or wool on livestock provides insulation from cold temperatures. In some climates, farmers provide enclosed barns or covered areas for warmth in the cold and shade in the heat. 

 

Expected Outcome(s)

At the moment 30% of our students are proficient in life cycles. The students will have a pre- test on animal needs and life cycle stages of chickens. The lessons will be practiced and designed first by fifth graders, then taught to our first graders. A post-test will be given to assess new
knowledge gained. Our goal is to reach 70% proficiency at end of the unit study.  

 

Detailed Cost Summary

The incubators will be used to hatch eggs. We will use one in the 5th grade classroom and the first grade classroom. 

 

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