ANIMAL DISCOVERY

A Science Club Activity

ANIMAL DISCOVERY• How is an animal’s behavior related to

its survival?

• What are some basic behaviors that different animals have in common?

• What kind of animal behavior have you noticed in animals you see around your home or on the way to school?

• Is there a particular kind of animal behavior that you have wondered about?

YOUR PROJECT• In this project you will study the

behavior of an animal you find around your home or school.

• You will video tape its behavior.

• Next, you will research information on this animal using the internet.

• Then, you will make a multi-media presentation that includes your video tape and internet information.

GETTING STARTED• With your partner choose an animal. It

should be:– a vertebrate or invertebrate animal– a wild or domestic animal, but not pet

mammals– a live animal, but not one from TV, video,

the internet, or any print media

MAKING THE VIDEO

• Use a video camera to film your animal while it is feeding and resting. – You will need to capture 5 different video

clips.– Each clip must be at least one minute in

length.

• You may also film other behaviors that you observe.

SURFING THE NET

• Use the net to research your animal’s biology and behavior. Find the following:– classification and scientific name– food-getting and food preferences– reproduction and life cycle– purpose and explanation of animal’s

behavior– survival adaptations

FAVORITE SURF SPOTS

http://www.yahoo.com/text/Science/Biology/Animal_Behavior/

This site has multiple links to sites on animal behavior, This site has multiple links to sites on animal behavior, communication, and reproduction. Specific animal sitescommunication, and reproduction. Specific animal sitesinclude birds and pets.include birds and pets.

Let’s make a list of favorite spots you find for this project.Let’s make a list of favorite spots you find for this project.

PROJECT PRESENTATION • Create a multi-media presentation

which includes:– video clips– internet research– any data gathered about your animal

• The purpose of the presentation is to educate the viewer.

• The presentation will be shared with the club.

CREDITS• Photo

– http://members.tripod.com/~TimberGuide/pg3.htm.

• Audio– “Amazon (River of Dreams)”, The Band, Jericho,

1993– “Fire on the Mountain”, The Neville Brothers, All

My Relations, 1996– “Surfin’ USA”, The Beach Boys, 36 All-Time

Greatest Hits, 1995– “Surfin’ Safari”, The Beach Boys, 36 All-Time

Greatest Hits, 1995• Presented by Myra Flagg and Bill Callahan