Bosses Mini Unit - Animal Research

Expected Outcomes

Stage 3
Unit 1 Assignment 1, 2, 6
Unit 3 Assignment 2 - 4
Unit 4 Assignment 1 - 4

Stage 4 Academic
Unit 1 Assignment 1
Unit 2 Assignment 1, 2, 4

Stage 4 Employment
Unit 7 Assignment 3
Unit 8 Assignment 1, 2

DescriptionPen and Paper Method

1. This assignment should be done in small groups.

2. Each group will make predictions about and research the habits/behaviours/characteristics of one of the following animals:

  • Lion
  • Peacock
  • Elephant
  • Bull
  • Chimpanzee
  • Chameleon
3. While making the predictions and doing the research, the group members should keep this question in the back of their minds, "If this animal were my boss, what would it be like?"

4. Each group will prepare a handout for the class describing the habits/behaviours/characteristics of the animal they were to research. The handout should also make a prediction as to what this animal would be like as a boss.

5. Each group will then present their handout to the class and moderate a short discussion about the research. Preparation for the presentation and the discussion may take some time. The groups will want to focus

on the key points of making a presentation and leading a discussion.

Sub-skills Needed:

1. Co-operative learning strategies
2. Discussion strategies
3. Speaking strategies
4. Research strategies

Materials Needed

1. Paper on which the groups can create their class handouts

2. Access to the Internet or other reference materials for research purposes

3. Copies of the blackline master entitled, Animal Research Handout - one for each group.

Resources

Held, Vera N. "Bosses: A Field Guide." Canadian Living November 1999: 59-60

Computer IntegrationComputer Integration

Using the features of the word processing program, the students will make notes on the different animals they research. They may use any note taking method that they wish. Therefore, there are many different possibilities; for example, if using the Cornell Method of note taking, the students may choose to use the Table or Columns features. If the students use the Mapping Method of note taking, then they may want to use the features on the Draw toolbar to create their notes.

The students will also use the word processing program to create the handout that will be photocopied for their classmates. The students will want this page to look as attractive and readable as possible.

Lastly, the students will use the word processing program to create their speaking notes for the presentation. The students may choose to use different font styles or colours or different bullet types to separate the different points in their introductions. If the students prefer speaking from index cards, they may wish to size their notes to fit onto the cards. Otherwise, they may use the printed 8 1/2 x 11 sheets.

See Computer Curriculum Guide:

Start Microsoft Word Section One, Pg. 1
Enter Text in a Document Section One, Pg. 11
Apply Bold, Italic or Underline Section Two, Pg. 5
Check Spelling and Grammar Section One, Pg. 18
Change Font, Font Sizes, and Colours Section Two, Pg. 15
Bullets Section Two, Pg. 28
Draw Objects Using the Drawing Tools Section Three, Pg. 1
Save a Document Section One, Pg. 13
Preview and Print a Document Section One, Pg. 14

Evaluation

Speaking Rubrics and Checklists
  • Speaking Rubric
  • Speaking Assessment Criteria
  • Oral Presentation Checklist
  • Speaking Rubric II
Group Work Rubrics and Checklists
  • Group Participation Assessment Rubric
  • Group Presentation Assessment Rubric
  • Group Work Rubric

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