Go Wild!
The Build Your Wild Self site from New York Zoos and Aquariums might seem like nothing more than a bit of fun. (Of course, who can’t use a bit of fun once in awhile?) However, I’d recommend giving it a try and thinking deeper about educational uses for this site.
As a previous second and third grade classroom teacher, there was always learning to be done about animals, habitats and adaptations to habitats. As I went through the steps to build my wild self, I thought of how much fun students could have with this site and not even know they were going to be learning.
Here’s my wild self:
Once your wild self is displayed, you can send it to a friend and/or print it. Look at the information the site provided under my avatar:
Polar bear ears -It gets cold in the Arctic (down to 35°F below). For warmth, your polar bear ears are small and covered in fur even on the inside. When diving, the ears close to keep cold water out.
Spider crab claws – Grab on! Your spider crab claws can grow incredibly long and strong. Some have been known to grow leg spans greater than 13 feet!
African lion legs – Your African lion legs are extremely powerful and have long, retractable claws to help you bring down prey. Careful not to poke your eye out with those things!
Monarch butterfly wings – Your monarch butterfly wings can beat five times per second. Can you flap your arms five times in one second?
That kind of information would be great for writing a story about the character they just created! Let me know in the comments if you get a chance to check it out and/or use it with students. Oh, and with the soon to be released Where the Wild Things Are movie, students would enjoy this site even more!
Filed under: Sharing... and tagged animals, classroom, integration, science, writing
what a cute book. I’ve got to get this for my nieces.
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