Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to effectively utilize library skills to research and comprehend information related to animals.

Materials and Prep

- Access to a library or online library resources
- Notebook or paper for note-taking
- Computer or tablet for research
- Prior knowledge of how to use library catalogs and databases

Activities

1. Research Task: Have the student choose an animal of interest and research its habitat, diet, and unique characteristics using library resources or online databases. Encourage them to take notes and compile the information in their notebook.
2. Quiz Game: Create a quiz game with questions related to library skills and animal research. This can include questions about using the library catalog, finding reliable sources, and citing sources properly.
3. Animal Book Review: Ask the student to select a book about animals from the library and write a review, including a summary of the book and their opinion on its content and usefulness for research.

Eighth Grade Talking Points

• "When using the library catalog, look for keywords related to your animal, such as its scientific name or specific behavior."
• "It's important to evaluate the credibility of the sources you find. Look for information from experts or reputable organizations."
• "When taking notes, organize your information by categories like habitat, diet, and interesting facts to make it easier to understand and use later."
• "When writing a book review, consider the author's expertise, the book's publication date, and whether the information is relevant to your research."