Mythological Zoo
Source/Author: Amy Cobb, MS English Teacher
May 13, 2016
Shorecrest sixth graders undertook a long-term, cross-curricular project creating a Mythological Zoo. Teachers in Art, English, Science, World Language and the Media Center work together to help students bring a menagerie of magical beasts from Ancient Greece to life.
First, students research their assigned beast in detail. The grade then took a trip to the the Lowry Park Zoo to watch animals move and see examples of zoo signage. They wrote a synopsis in English and a paragraph in Spanish or French about their beasts.
Next, students made sketches of how the beast is described in ancient lore. In art class, a visiting artist who works with recycled materials showed them how to make lightweight, unique creatures from plastic bags, masking tape, and recycled odds and ends. Students used his tips to build the beast they had researched and sketched with cardboard tubes, plastic bags, masking tape, wire hangers and other found materials.
Then, their science unit tied into the beast unit when they used their newfound knowledge of building electrical circuits to wire their beasts - either to light up or to move using a motor.
After building their beasts, the students painted them with a base coat of black paint before painting for design and adding details like yarn for hair or feathers for wings.
When everyone had completed their beast, the beasts were displayed in the library for family, peers and younger classes to come through for a tour, making the zoo a truly interactive experience. The students put their public speaking skills to the test, and it was obvious how proud each student was of the final outcome of their beasts.
(video here)
First, students research their assigned beast in detail. The grade then took a trip to the the Lowry Park Zoo to watch animals move and see examples of zoo signage. They wrote a synopsis in English and a paragraph in Spanish or French about their beasts.
Next, students made sketches of how the beast is described in ancient lore. In art class, a visiting artist who works with recycled materials showed them how to make lightweight, unique creatures from plastic bags, masking tape, and recycled odds and ends. Students used his tips to build the beast they had researched and sketched with cardboard tubes, plastic bags, masking tape, wire hangers and other found materials.
Then, their science unit tied into the beast unit when they used their newfound knowledge of building electrical circuits to wire their beasts - either to light up or to move using a motor.
After building their beasts, the students painted them with a base coat of black paint before painting for design and adding details like yarn for hair or feathers for wings.
When everyone had completed their beast, the beasts were displayed in the library for family, peers and younger classes to come through for a tour, making the zoo a truly interactive experience. The students put their public speaking skills to the test, and it was obvious how proud each student was of the final outcome of their beasts.
(video here)
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