Matthew C. Winner

Sounds on the Web

4th Grade

June 5, 2006

 

Creatures Great and Small

     

In this activity, you will research an animal of your choice from the National Geographic Kids website. You will gather facts about the species, identify where the animal is found on our Earth, and listen to an audio clip of a common sound or noise the animal uses to communicate. The information you gather will then be used in a “Who am I?” activity where you attempt to stump the class from guessing the animal you researched.

 

Follow these steps to success:

 

  1. Visit National Geographic Kids and click on Creature Features. (http://www.nationalgeographic.com/kids/index.html)
  2. Select an animal and begin your research.
  3. Investigate all information provided about the animal, including the fun facts, audio clip of the animal communicating, and a map of the animal’s global location.

 

Hint: When you click on the audio clip, a window will pop up asking if you want to “open” the clip or “save to a disk”. By clicking “open”, the sound clip will automatically play on Real Player on your computer.

 

  1. Think about how you would describe the audio clip. Does it remind you of another familiar sound? Does it make you think of your animal or was the sound a complete surprise? Why would the animal make this sound?
  2. Record 4-5 interesting facts about the animal that make it special or unique. These facts might include eating habits, method of raising young, or modes of self-defense.
  3. Present your facts in a “Who am I?” format so your audience has a chance to guess your animal identity. Give information regarding the animal’s habitat first. Next, share the sound clip with the class. Finally, share a few fun facts about your animal.

 

Example “Who am I?”:

 

I live in the African grasslands and I eat primarily vegetation.

 

In order to alert other about an approaching lion, I make this sound (play audio clip).

 

I love to munch on the thorny leaves of the acacia tree.

 

My tongue is black and can be 21 inches long.

 

I sleep standing up so that it is easier to escape from an approaching predator.

 

I am the tallest animal on earth.

 

Who am I?