CONFLICTS AND CONNECTIONS
75
Topic: Contradictions in Nature
Objectives: SWBAT…
1.
2.
3.
Research animals that contradict society’s assumptions about them.
Create a skit about an animal that contradicts what they have been taught.
Write a story from the animal’s point of view on humans.
Materials:
Computers
Internet
Flip Camera
Procedures:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Anticipatory Set: Brainstorm contradictions.
Research unusual animals or insects.
Create an entertaining television segment with the information obtained from research.
Closure: Share with your classmates.
DURATION: 5 PERIODS
CONFLICTS AND CONNECTIONS
75
Topic: Contradictions in Nature
Step 1:
Brainstorm contradictions you have been taught, such as “i before e except after c”. An
example would be the word “science”.
Step 2: Read the following information.
Many unusual animals contradict what we have always been taught. For example, one kind of frog
carries its young in its pouch like marsupials. There are insects that devour their mates. The term
“flightless bird” might be considered an oxymoron, but several species cannot fly. There are even two
mammals that lay eggs and a snake that gives birth to live babies. These facts conflict with what we
have been taught about the animal kingdom.
Step 3:
Use the following website as a starting point to research unusual insects or animals and find how they
contradict our traditional understandings.
http://www.desertusa.com/mag00/dec/papr/mantis.html
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/mammal/monotreme.html
Be sure to include the following information in your research:
 Visuals of the male and female of the species
 Visuals of where the species lives
 What makes this species unusual
 How the concept of conflict can be applied to this creature
 Biographical information such as how the creature is born, how large it gets, what it eats,
etc.
 Its role in the circle of life (both conflicts and connections).
Step 4:
Create a segment for Animal Planet that is 2-4 minutes and demonstrates the information that you
learned about your animal. Be sure that your segment includes visuals. Film your segment.
Step5:
Get your script pre-approved prior to filming. Film and edit.
Closure:
Share your segment and story with the class.
DURATION: 5 PERIODS