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Name of Project: What is this organism? Duration: 2 days

Subject/Course: Biology Teacher(s): Ms. Garvey Grade Level: 10th
Other subject areas to be included, if any:

Key Knowledge and VA SOL

Understanding BIO.6
(CCSS or other standards) a) Structural similarities among organisms
c) Comparison of development stages in different organisms
d) Examination of biochemical similarities and differences among organisms; and
e) Systems of classification that are adaptable to new scientific discoveries

Success Skills Critical Thinking/Problem Solving Self-Management x

(to be taught and
Collaboration x Other:
assessed)
Project Summary The students will be faced with the challenge of classifying a new organism that they discovered. This organism is not
(include student role, real and they must first design the characteristics of the organism and draw a replica of it. The students are tasked with
issue, problem or classifying this organism once they design it and then creating a brief presentation/poster to display their organism.
challenge, action taken, The final product can be any form that they feel is best appropriate to communicate their project.
and purpose/beneficiary)
Driving Question How do we classify new organisms?

Entry Event Brief review of classification, then play the video describing the task created by the teacher to create excitement.
Products Individual: Specific content and competencies to be assessed:
Organism design worksheet Science Standards listed above
Reflection paper Self-management
Team: Specific content and competencies to be assessed:
Presentation/Poster Collaboration
Organism Model Science Standards listed above

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Making Products Public Students will be paired up students from the local middle school. There is a date planned at the end of the project when
(include how the the students will go down to the middle school and teach the students about classification of organisms.
products will be made
public and who students
will engage with
during/at end of project)

Resources Needed On-site people, facilities:

Teacher, middle school teacher and students
Equipment:
Chrome books, Internet access, Printer
Materials:
Paper, Drawing/Writing Utensils, Organism Design Sheet
Community Resources:
N/A

Reflection Methods Journal/Learning Log X Focus Group

(how individual, team,
and/or whole class will
reflect during/at end of
project)
Notes:
Students will be required to turn in their individual
design process worksheet, as well as a reflection paper
to demonstrate understanding.
Whole-Class Discussion Fishbowl Discussion
Survey Other: Students will be required to reflect with a X
middle school student about the classification of new
organisms.

PR OJECT DESIGN: STUDENT LEAR NING GUIDE

Project: What is this Organism?
Driving Question: How do we classify new organisms?

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 Final Product(s) Learning Outcomes/Targets Checkpoints/Formative Assessments Instructional Strategies for All Learners
Presentations, knowledge, understanding & success skills needed to check for learning and ensure provided by teacher, other staff, experts; includes
Performances, Products by students to successfully complete products students are on track scaffolds, materials, lessons aligned to learning
and/or Services outcomes and formative assessments
(individual and Design new organism using all required Students will have a checklist of items to Students will have both physical lists as
team) body systems. choose from and necessary parts for their well as electronic resources that
Organism Design organism. incorporate pictures for all learners to
Worksheet with participate in the process regardless of
Model or Graphic reading ability level.
Representation
Proper modeling techniques either The teacher will check in with groups to Students have the ability to use any form
electronically or through physical tools. ensure that they have chosen a method of of technology or any physical tools that
displaying their organism. they are most familiar/comfortable with
utilizing.
Reflection Journal Compare the newly created organism with The teacher will check the journals during Students can create a visual, electronic,
other existing organisms. the class period to ensure that students are spoken, or written journal to document
reflecting on their experience throughout their reflections on the similarities
the process. between their organism and other
organisms.
Presentation Demonstrate correct use of classification Students will have to get approval from Students have both their notes as well as
system. the teacher on their classification of the videos and visual graphics to examine the
new organism before designing the classification system.
presentation.
Express their findings in a scientific Students will have their presentation peer- Teacher will focus on content of the
format. reviewed as well as teacher suggestions presentation rather than the technical
before presenting to the middle schoolers. aspects/presentation skills.

21st century technology integration. Students will select a format they find Teacher and other staff will incorporate
appropriate to demonstrating their mini technology workshop support in the
completed project. classroom and after-school for students
that need extra support.

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