Introduction
During this activity, students are immersed in a real-world learning experience centered around the discovery of a new fox species. They’ll watch a captivating video, encouraging them to observe closely and take detailed notes. Following this, they’ll engage in a thought-provoking debate, sharing their insights and perspectives.
This format allows for a dynamic exchange of ideas, with no right or wrong answers, thereby fostering a rich environment for critical thinking and analytical skills development. This activity not only enhances their understanding of wildlife and conservation but also hones their abilities in discussion, opinion-forming, and real-world application of knowledge.
Encourage students to build conversation by first commenting on the previous comment if you’re leading a group discussion. For example – I think the previous comment was a good comment because X and what I’d like to add to the conversation is Y.
Learner Notes
Hello everyone! Get ready for an exciting adventure into the world of wildlife discovery. This week, we’re diving into an amazing journey with a special video about the discovery of a new species of fox. But it’s not just about watching – this video is the starting point for a whole series of engaging activities.
First, as we watch the video, I encourage you to take notes. Jot down anything that sparks your interest, surprises you, or raises questions in your mind. These notes will be a valuable tool for what comes next.
After the video, we’ll have a lively discussion. This is your chance to share your thoughts and opinions. Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer here. It’s all about your perspectives and how you see things. This discussion is a great way to explore different viewpoints and learn from each other.
But that’s not all. We’re also going to integrate this experience into some real-world learning activities. These activities are designed to give you hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the subject.
Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to create your own digital resume. This will help you reflect on what you’ve learned and showcase your new knowledge and skills.
And for those who love a challenge, we’ve got a fun mathematical puzzle related to our fox discovery theme. This will be an exciting way to apply your maths skills in a practical context.
So, let’s get started on this educational journey. Prepare to be intrigued, challenged, and inspired as we explore the wonderful world of wildlife discovery together!
Attention to Detail Challenge
This activity involves students re-watching a video to enhance their observation skills. They pair up, list numbers 1-15, and discuss before answering questions within a 10-second time limit.
It’s designed to encourage teamwork, quick thinking, and attention to detail, while also fostering a learning environment where practice leads to improvement.
Learner Notes
Having watched the video again, it’s time to gauge your powers of observation.
Pair up with someone, and once you’ve got a piece of paper and a pencil, list the numbers 1-10 to start.
Keep in mind, you can discuss with your partner prior to settling on your response, but you’ll only have 10 seconds to decide. Watch the clock in the upper right corner to track your remaining time.
Best of luck, and don’t stress over any mistakes – remember, perfection comes with practice.
Make up your Mind - Rubric and Discussion
In this activity, students pair up to discuss who deserves credit for discovering a new fox species. They explore different roles, articulate reasons for their choices, and consider societal parallels in recognition and value. The focus is on open discussion, encouraging students to express and respect diverse opinions.
This exercise emphasizes the importance of student choices and critical thinking, culminating in a class-wide discussion that broadens perspectives and deepens understanding of subjective decision-making.
Learner Notes
Let’s get into pairs and tackle a thought-provoking challenge! You’re presented with four options regarding who should be credited the most for the discovery of a new fox species. Together with your partner, engage in a discussion to determine who deserves this honor and why.
As you deliberate, consider the following points using the provided rubric:
Identify two key reasons supporting why your chosen individual deserves the most credit for the discovery.
Discuss why the other three individuals might not be considered the primary contributors in this scenario.
Reflect on how your choice relates to the way contributions are recognized or valued in current societal contexts.
Once you’ve had a thorough discussion, we’ll reconvene as a class. Each pair will share their insights, and we’ll open the floor for a broader class discussion. This will be a great opportunity to explore different perspectives and understandings.
Weekly Keywords
 Introduce the spelling word list and choose from this list of tasks that can be repeated and expanded upon if necessary. Copy the words into a spelling list/Vocabulary book for later reference. Put each of the new words into a sentence and underline the new vocabulary in red pencil or pen. Place the words in alphabetical order in a list. Use a dictionary to define each of the words and place them into a vocabulary book.
Learner Notes
These words will help you during this week’s lesson. You may already know some of these words, however vocabulary practice is always useful!
First, read the words and then try to define them as simply as possible.
An example has been completed for you. You can write these into your books, and draw a picture to match or simply complete the task card.
Weekly Comprehension Activity - The History of Animal Discoveries
In this activity, students independently explore the discovery of new animal species, answering varied comprehension questions. It emphasizes self-guided learning and research skills.
The task’s differentiated design caters to diverse learning levels, allowing students to challenge themselves according to their abilities and fostering outcome-based differentiation.
Learner Notes
Read the information provided on the topic of discovering new species of animals around the world. Use the insights gained from the video we watched to try answering as many comprehension questions as possible.
Feel free to work together with your classmates and use any classroom resources to help find the answers. If there are questions you can’t answer in class, you’re encouraged to continue your research at home.
The questions have been designed with varying levels of difficulty to offer a stimulating challenge. See how many you can answer correctly! Be sure to respond in complete sentences and jot down notes on any diagrams or intriguing facts that might aid in retaining the information for future reference.
Guided Writing - Writing with Dialogue
This week’s activity encourages students to use their imagination and dialogue skills. They’ll write a story as a blue fox from the “Fox Conundrum,” creatively explaining how the fox turned blue.
The task emphasizes proper dialogue structure, including starting a new line for each speaker, capitalizing the first letter of each speech, and using quotation marks. This exercise aims to enhance their narrative skills and understanding of dialogue usage in storytelling.
Learner Notes
This week, let your imagination soar as you write a story where you are the blue fox from the “Fox Conundrum.”
Your task is to creatively think of a wonderful way the fox could have become blue. Refer to the example and guidelines on the task card opposite, and remember these key rules for including dialogue in your story:
- Start a new line for each different speaker.
- Use a capital letter at the start of each character’s speech.
- Enclose all spoken words within speech marks (” “).
Use these instructions to craft an imaginative and well-structured story about your unique blue fox.
We are really starting to improve our writing technique. Well done!!
Bringing Mathematics to Life!
For each conundrum, we will provide related mathematics questions.
The levels of questions allow for your students to push themselves until they become too difficult. They may wish to use classroom resources to solve the questions they find too hard or they can be used as extension activities to be completed in free time or at home.
Learner Notes
This week’s problem set centers around the characters from the Fox Conundrum. Learn a bit more about the characters and their adventure by solving some Math problems in the task card.
If they get too hard you can either ask a friend, use the tip provided in the middle column to help you, or take your work home and work on solving the problems at home with your family!
Real World Learning - Becoming a Teacher - Making Flashcards
This week’s task for the children is to create a set of flashcards featuring different animal species, fostering leadership, community service, and creativity. They will select, research, and illustrate nine animals, focusing on unique aspects.
The flashcards will be used to educate younger students, encouraging the children to take a leadership role in knowledge sharing and community engagement. This activity blends creative expression with educational service, enhancing community awareness and appreciation of wildlife.
Learner Notes
Here’s your mission for this week: be the team that collects these treasures, categorises them , and then shares them with people in your community who could use a hand.
Who are these lucky recipients? Well, think about families going through tough times, elderly folks in retirement homes, kids in local orphanages, and newcomers to your town looking for a fresh start. We have so many ideas on our list to help you start thinking.
Now, here’s the adventure: kick-off a fantastic collection drive! Design a poster to get attention to your mission and ask people if they have things to spare, and set up spots at your school or community center to gather these goodies.
Once you’ve gathered all these fantastic finds, it’s time to get creative! Sort the clothes by size, group the toys by age, and organize the books by genre. Think of yourselves as treasure hunters, finding the perfect home for each item.
Now, the best part: share the love. Team up with local groups and places that need these treasures. You can personally deliver warm clothes to the elderly at the retirement home, ensure charity shops are well-stocked, or create special care packages to welcome newcomers.
Your actions will be like magic. You’ll bring smiles, happiness, and show everyone that even kids like you can make the world a better place. You’re the superheroes of kindness, and your superpower is making people’s lives brighter.
Remember – The more you collect, the more you can give!!
Real World Learning - Virtual Visit to a National Park
This project can be done as a class or individually. It is important that students select a Park that has a virtual tour option. Many do have an option and two links with many options can be found here:
- https://artsandculture.google.com/project/national-park-service
- https://www.airpano.com/
You may want to limit students to these parks, or provide them with the criteria for selection of a park that it has a virtual tour option.
In addition to researching a national park, we are asking students to reflect on their work. This process of completing a task and then reflecting is fertile ground for learning for students both on knowledge acquisition and in their self management.
Learner Notes
In the Fox Conundrum, we see the story from the human perspective. We follow along with the Hiker, the Park Ranger, the Tracker, and the Farmer. In this exercise, we will get a bit into the shoes of the Park Ranger.
Countries around the world have set aside land for the preservation and enjoyment of nature. These National Parks are often set aside due to their natural beauty, rarity of species and ecosystems, or cultural or historic importance.
In this project, you will find a National Park around the world and learn about it by doing research and then going on a virtual tour of the Park. Find a park that inspires you or that you have always wanted to visit. Just be sure they have a virtual tour option! We will end with a quick reflection.Â
Here is a couple of links to get you started:
Finally, If you are able, this is a great template for planning a trip with your family or as a school to go visit a local park after all, that’s what they were created for!
My Digital Resume
This task involves students reflecting on their recent learning experiences and skills gained. They are encouraged to update their digital resumes, incorporating multimedia elements for a comprehensive self-assessment.
This activity promotes introspection and self-evaluation, helping students recognize and articulate their progress and achievements. It’s a practical exercise in documenting personal growth and impact, fostering a deeper understanding of their developmental journey and its significance in their lives.
Learner Notes
Welcome to another week of our Conundrum journey! As we wrap up this new week, take a moment to revisit your accomplishments from the previous weeks. Reflect on the experiences and skills you gained during that time.
Now, let’s celebrate your achievements. It’s time to add these new experiences and skills to your digital resume. Don’t forget to include all of the required information and keep each week original and fresh.
Feel free to include photos and videos if you wish, and most importantly, identify and note down the new skills you’ve learned.
Keep up the fantastic work, and let’s continue this exciting journey together!”
