Curricular Highlight: First Grade Animal Research Project

The project begins in reading class, where students explore engaging texts about a wide range of animals, including puffins, mandrills, and reef sharks. As they build foundational research skills, they learn how to identify key details, gather information, and translate their findings into complete, thoughtful sentences. With these tools practiced, each student is prepared to select a favorite animal to study in depth, creating a personal research project that reflects their growing academic confidence.

From there, students write animal fact reports (in their neatest handwriting!) that include details about habitats, physical characteristics, sounds, and fascinating behaviors. As they move through the full writing process, from drafting, peer editing, revising, and publishing, first-graders develop not only their writing skills but also a growing sense of ownership over their work. Along the way, they incorporate primary-source photos and create their own illustrations to serve as secondary sources in their reports.

One especially engaging element of the project is the creation of animal trading cards. Each card includes a QR code that links to a video of the student sharing fun facts they discovered during their research. Students also extend their learning into the visual arts, sculpting clay models of their chosen animals to accompany their final presentations.

First Grade Teacher and English Department Co-Chair Laura Jezyk reflects, “The presentation is the culmination of hard work and dedication by these amazing kiddos.” For Laura, what makes the project especially meaningful is watching students grow in both skill and confidence as they move from early research to polished final work.

The project culminates in the Animal Research Presentation, where students proudly share their writing, models, and trading cards with their grown-ups and classmates. The excitement in the room is palpable as first-graders offer their expertise to their audience and celebrate their learning. Many students describe it as their favorite day of the year, and teachers and audience members see it the same way: as a joyful showcase of creativity and hard-earned achievement.

From reading and research to writing, art, and presentation, the Animal Research Project helps students to discover not only the world of animals, but also the power of their own voices as young scholars!