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e-Journal

The Underground Life of Mole Rats (p. 70)


Step 1. Questions

The animal kingdom includes an amazing variety of creatures. Animals have features that make them different from one another.

Write a description of an animal that you think is cute or ugly. You will need to research this animal to learn more about it. You also will need to find out its scientific name. Here are some questions to guide your research:
  • How does the animal look?
  • What is the scientific name of the animal?
  • What can you learn about the animal from its scientific name?
  • Why do scientists classify animals?
Are you ready? Begin by visiting the Web sites in Step 2. Look for answers to the questions above, and write down what you learn in the note-taking boxes.

With teacher supervision, you may use search engines to research other Web sites. You can also research animals at the library. When you are ready, follow Steps 3 and 4 to write your description.


Step 2. Research

Research answers to the questions you were asked in Step 1. Visit these Web sites. Take notes about them on this page, too!


Toolbox Tip: Click here to learn how to use search engines.


Creature Features
At this Web site, you can see, hear, and watch videos about many different animals. Click a picture of the animal you wish to learn about. You can read facts and view photographs of the animal. Next, click VIDEO AND SOUND to see and hear this animal in action. Click GO under "Browse all creatures" to return to the main menu. This is a great place to choose the animal that you would like to write about. This Web site comes from National Geographic.
Take Notes:



What Is in a Scientific Name?
This Web site is from the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. Read the information about scientific names. Then scroll down to the bottom of the page. Type the name of your animal into the search box and click SEARCH to reach a list of different animals with similar names. Find your animal on this list and click its scientific name. You can read about the animal you chose.
Take Notes:



Kid Territory: Why Do Animals Have Scientific Names?
This Web page from the San Diego Zoo explains why animals have scientific names. Click SCIENTIFIC NAME WORD LIST at the bottom of the page to learn what many of these words mean. This page can help you decipher the meaning of your animal's scientific name.
Take Notes:



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