IST 605: Resources for Elementary Research Project on Animals

This is one of my favorite search tools for the primary grades. This has developed over the past few years and has expanded to include eBooks. Information is sorted into 5 categories and includes pictures to make it clear to younger learners. Information is offered in English or Spanish. All text, even the labels under each subcategory, is read aloud to students, making it easy to navigate. Each article contains activities that could be done that relates to the topic, and videos for students to watch.

When users in grades K-2 go to this site, they can search for something in the search box, or they can click on a category and the information will be organized into groups. The functionality of this site is kid-friendly and includes clear pictures and easy-to-read articles. Not only is there information about animals and important people, users can explore a variety of science projects with a guide that walks them through an experiment. Along with this is a dictionary feature, which allows the user to find the definition of a word they type into the search box.

Readers will learn all about cows and how their milk ends up in grocery stores! This eBook is perfect for primary readers because advanced readers can read it on their own, or it can be read aloud to the youngest of learners. There are puzzles and games that readers can complete that relate to the story. Comprehension is strengthened by reinforcing key vocabulary words and readers can sequence the events in the story.

Learn all about ponds and the variety of creatures and plant life that lives in a pond. This book is interactive and allows young readers to have it read aloud to them, or they can read it on their own. Students will learn about the many animals, how some build their homes, and how plant life survives and thrives in a pond. There is an option for students to play "Word Match," which helps them learn key vocabulary terms from the story.

What drinks their mother's milk, has a backbone, has fur, and are warm-blooded? Mammals! Students will learn all about mammals and determine which animals are considered mammals based on key characteristics. Young readers will learn all about monkeys and why they are mammals, along with other mammals that share the same features. This story has the option for students to participate in a vocabulary game and it includes a sequencing activity. Readers who are beginning to read will enjoy the option to listen to the story!

Discover the amazing transformation from a caterpillar to a butterfly in this nonfiction story. Students will learn what caterpillars eat and all about the life cycle. Key vocabulary words are highlighted and allow readers to click to view or listen to the definition. Students have the option to listen to or read the story and can play games to reinforce the skills that were introduced in the story.

Young readers will learn all about sharks, what they eat, how they breathe under water, and how they grow from pup to adult. Students can explore the highlighted words to read or listen to the definition of keywords and play a matching game to reinforce their knowledge of these words. Young readers will enjoy listening to the story and completing the comprehension activities that are available.

Explore the amazing live streaming webcams and see black-footed ferrets, elephants, lions, and naked mole-rats. Students can see how these animals interact with their environment, what they eat, and how they live their day-to-day life. They also provide news about other animals that may join their zoo, including the much anticipated pandas that are due to arrive by the end of 2024.

Explore a number of different livestreams, including the Blacktip Reef, Jellies Invasion, and the Pacific Coral Reef. Students will get to experience ocean life at its finest with a number of different habitats under the ocean. From jellyfish to dolphins, this livestream has something for every underwater enthusiast.

This is for zoo animal lovers! The webcams at the Houston Zoo capture a variety of zoo animals and what they eat, how they move, and where they live. Some of the animals include giraffes, elephants, rhinos, and gorillas. This is an easy-to-navigate site that young learners will be able to view with ease. It is easy to move around the habitat to explore the area and try to spot the animals in their environments.