Spark Creativity-Create a New Species!
Friday, May 13, 2011 at 2:29PM Have you ever seen an Elementos? Do you have a pet Clockfish to keep you on schedule? Would you like to see an exotic and rare Kizumari? Well, chances are unless you are able to transport into the imagination of a child, you never will!
As the school year winds down, I am searching for ways to make these last few days exciting, engaging, and dare I say, FUN! Wait a minute! Every day should be like this! We threw out the science books and put on our creativity hats (mom included!).
I thought it would be great to have everyone create their own species complete with details about the species' habitat and ecosystem as a culminating project for our science unit. I gave little instruction other than the following inclusions:
Species: name, physical description, special adaptations, food source
Habitat: location, physical description
Ecosystem: location, physical description including climate and vegetation
In addition, each species had to include its predators (if any) and an explanation as to whether it was a producer, primary consumer, or secondary consumer. The only requirement is that everything be completely fictitious and highly creative! The finished product needed to include a drawing of the species in their ecosystem.
I have to say both the kids and I were excited about this project. It serves as a great alternative assessment tool while sparking the imagination. With the exception of our math and world history lessons, this integrated activity served as language arts and science for the week. Teachers and homeschooling parents alike can feel confident they are covering "necessary skills." Once again, prepare to be blown away by the mind of a child!
Science Skills
- ecosystem, habitat, predator, producer, primary consumer, secondary consumer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, climate, food web
Language Arts Skills
- writing, oral presentation skills, creative expression, grammar
Computer Skills
- typing, research, internet navigation, word processing programs (Google Docs), online drawing utilities like Scratch or Gimp
Misc. Skills
- art, imagination, communication
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Example: from our 11 year old
"In the depths of time, over a million years ago...a planet...from the Yuhai solar system was formed. It was called Kanishiwah. On this planet, in a remote corner, there was a small island, Kuhlahyklii.
Kuhlahyklii is filled with many rare species of animals, lush rainforests, mountains, and even grasslands. One particular species, however, is my favorite. Are you ready? Drum roll please! The Kizumari. These creatures live in the tropical rainforest of Abilikke. Below is their important information.
Species: Kizumari 
Adult Height: 4 ft
Adult Length: 3.5 ft
Habitat: Abilikke rainforest
Energy Source: Yuhi (the sun) gives energy to the ribbon wrapped around it's tail.
Diet: Omnivore- fruit from the jublie tree, small animals like snakiflutters, bwablo flowers, and kishi.
The Kizumari are unique in that they are both a producer and a consumer. Part of their energy comes from Yuhi, or the sun, making them producers. However, they cannot rely on that energy source alone. They are secondary consumers because they do need essential vitamins and minerals from the snakiflutters and bwalbo flowers.
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As you can see, this activity really spans many content areas. The child is limited by their own imagination. Over the summer, our eleven year old plans to create a digital representation of her species using Scratch or Gimp. Can't wait! So, throw out the books, open your imaginations and spark creativity in your teaching and learning. Most importantly, let go and have fun!
