This document provides instructions for a 4th grade animal research lesson. Students will research and create posters about different animals. They will then use a 2-2-1 lesson paper to record information by looking at each other's posters. For each animal, students will write the names of 2 they liked, 2 new things they learned, and 1 animal they had not heard of before. Afterwards, students will read books as a class discussion if time allows. The document outlines poster requirements including the animal's name, habitat, lifestyle, appearance, diet, offspring, and any threats.

1. 4th Grade Animal Research Lesson
4th grade Animal Research 2-2-1 lesson directions:
After all research is done, students display their posters on tables or attach them
to walls.
Each student will need a 2-2-1 Lesson paper and fills in the blanks as you walk
around the room reading the posters. You should work quietly and alone. This is
not a time for visiting.
1st Row -
Give the names of 2 animals you liked the most and why you liked them.
Answers can be a word, a simple phrase or complete sentence.
2nd Row –
Give 2 things you learned that you did not know before – it can be about the
same animals as above or different ones. These must be in the form of a simple
phrase sentence.
3rd Row –
You give the name of 1 animal you never heard of before and would to know
learn more.
After finishing the 2-2-1 lesson, you read a book at your tables or in the
Everybody pit area. Reading only!!
When everyone completes the lesson, we will have discussion as time allows.
Optional*** Do this as a class where each group stays with their poster and visitors ask
questions of each animal. This works really well with buddy groups.

2. 4th Grade Animal Research Lesson
Name _____________________________________________ Class _____________
Each person must answer the questions below. Look at each poster first. Fill in the
boxes by answering the questions above. You can use short answers or phrases. In the
last row use only one box. You can use both if you wish. Work quietly. You are not
chatting with friends. You are working on your own.
2 animals I liked Why I liked them
the top two rows.
Answer both questions in
1. 1.
2. 2.
I did not know this One other thing I did not
before know before
row for your last answer
Choose just one box in this
One animal I had not One I would like to
heard of before learn more

3. 4th Grade Animal Research Lesson
Animal Research Requirements
Fill out as much information as possible on your note cards. Use one card for each requirement
number (Name, Kind of animal, Location, etc.) Your final project will be a poster of your animal
in its natural habitat or environment. Make sure you collect enough information to give good
information to your class.
1. Name of Animal - You can get extra credit if you find the scientific name as well.
2. Kind of animal – Mammal, Reptile, Bird, Fish, Amphibian, etc.
3. Location – Where in the world can you find the animal? In what kind of environment or
iome does your animal live?
4. Life Style – Does the animal live alone, in a herd, a family group, or other group? What
kind of home does it have (den, nest, tree, water)
5. Appearance – What does your animal look like? How many legs does it have? How big is
it? Does it have fur or hair or scales? What color is it? Be able to draw your animal as it
should appear.
6. Food / Food Chain – Is your animal a predator or is it prey – or both? What does your
animal eat? How often does it eat and how much will it eat at once?
7. Offspring – How many babies does it have? Are they born from eggs or live birth? What
are the offspring called?
● Is it threatened or endangered? explain why. (Overhunted, used for fur, loss of homes
and habitat?)
8. Fantastic Facts – What else did you find out about your animal that you did not answer
here?
Answer your questions on a separate piece of paper. On your poster, you must show your
animal in its environment (habitat) You will also need to write the following information in one
word or a short phrase – large enough for the class to see what you wrote.
● Name of your animal
● How it lives (herd, alone, family group)
● Predator, prey or both
● Offspring name
● If it is threatened or endangered, explain why.
When you get up to talk about your animal, you can take your research papers and read
them as you present. Include your fantastic facts in your talk. If you have a partner, take
turns presenting. Have a friend hold the poster if you are alone.