Introduction

The North Carolina Zoo is looking for new types of animals to put in a new exhibit. After learning about what makes mammals special, each person in your group will research a mammal of their choice. You will use the facts about different animals to combine them and create a new mammal as a group and then explain why the zoo should include your animal in their new exhibit.

The Quest

You will complete four activities in this webquest.
1. Read and understand what makes a mammal special.
2. Research and present your favorite mammal.
3. Create a new species of mammals by combining mammal body parts.
4. Write about your mammal persuading the zoo to include it in their new exhibit.

The Process and Resources

Step 1: As a group of three, read the background information to learn what makes mammals special.

Step 2: Each member of your group will research a mammal of their choice. Record answers to the following questions in your journal.
- Describe what your mammal looks like. (size, color, special feature)
- Where does your mammal live?
- What does your mammal eat?
- Do they have any predators? What are they?
- Would your mammal make a good pet? Why or why not?

Step 3: Print out the fact sheet to use as a guide to create your mammal in the art center.

Step 4: Use switchzoo.com to create a new mammal species.

Step 5: Pring out your new mammal. As a group, complete the following activities.

- Name your mammal.
- Describe what your mammal looks like.
- Where will your mammal live?
- What will your mammal eat?
- Will your mammal have any predators?
- Would your mammal make a good pet? Why or why not?
- Why should the zoo include your mammal in their new exhibit?

Step 6: Create a poster about your new mammal and present it to the class.

Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone

Use the site below to learn the 4 characteristics of mammals. Record them in your journal.

• Description of mammals - This is a link that explains in four pages why a mammal is a mammal.

Phase 2 - Looking Deeper from Different Perspectives

Below are two tasks to complete, one by yourself and one with your group.

Study your favorite mammal

As individuals:

1. Each member of your group will use the website below to research a mammal of their own. Each mammal should be different.

2. Record the answers to the following questions in your journal.

- Describe what your mammal looks like. (size, color, special feature)
- Where does your mammal live?
- What does your mammal eat?
- Do they have any predators? What are they?
- Would your mammal make a good pet? Why or why not?

3. Create your mammal by using materials in the art center.

4. Each member will present their mammal to the group.

• Index of mammals - This link allows students to choose a mammal to research. It is linked to simple fact pages about each animal.

Create your own mammal

Use the Internet information linked below to create a new mammal with your group.

• Animal switching game - Students can switch around animal body parts to create a new animal and then write about them.

Phase 3 - Debating, Discussing, and Reaching Consensus

You have all learned about a different mammal. Use what you learned about different mammals to tell about the mammal you created. Answer the following questions:

- Describe what your mammal looks like. (size, color, special feature)
- Where does your mammal live?
- What does your mammal eat?
- Do they have any predators? What are they?
- Would your mammal make a good pet? Why or why not?
- Why should the zoo include your animal in their new exhibit?

Phase 4 - Real World Feedback

You will receive a grade in each of these areas:

Journal _____
Art Project _____
New Animal project _____
Teamwork _____


This is what your grade means:

3 Awesome!I did my very best. I went above and beyond.

2 Good
I followed all the instructions. My journal is complete, my writing is edited, I had creative ideas for the artwork, and I was a helpful and involved team member.

1 Needs Work
Something might be missing in my project. I did not do my best, or I did not participate with my team.

Your Contact is: the designated contact

Conclusion

Congratulations! The North Carolina Zoo is considering including your mammal in their new exhibit. You have learned about what makes a mammal special and have had the opportunity to take what you have learned to create a new mammal. I hope you have enjoyed being able to work as a group and using your imaginations.