Contextualization

In this project, we will approach the botanical and zoological universe in a different way, addressing the theme of 'Animals and Plants' from a bilingual perspective. We will incorporate into our daily vocabulary the terminology related to animals and plants in English. Students will have the opportunity to expand their understanding of the natural world, the species that inhabit the Earth, and the interaction between them, while improving their English language skills.

Students will be encouraged to research various species of plants and animals, explore their unique characteristics, habitats, ecological importance, and, of course, the names of these species in English. This multilingual and interdisciplinary exploration will enrich students' knowledge, enhancing their ability to express and communicate in English.

Introduction

The biosphere of our planet is composed of a myriad of life forms, including an unimaginable diversity of plants and animals. These life forms depend on each other, forming a complex system of exchanges and relationships known as an ecosystem. In this project, we will explore two important kingdoms of this ecosystem: Plantae and Animalia.

The Plantae kingdom includes all types of plants, from tiny mosses to gigantic sequoias. Plants play a fundamental role in life on Earth, as they produce most of the oxygen we breathe and are the basis of almost all food chains. Plants are also vital to human industry, providing resources for medicines, food, and building materials.

The Animalia kingdom, on the other hand, is composed of all animal species, from tiny fleas to huge elephants. Animals are characterized by their ability to move independently at some point in their lives and by their diet, which consists of other organisms or organic products. Animals play various roles in ecosystems, such as predators, prey, pollinators, and more.

To deepen their understanding, students can use the following resources:

1. Encyclopedia Britannica: A vast collection of articles on various plant species, their characteristics, functions in the ecosystem, and more.

2. National Geographic: A rich source of detailed information on various animal species, including their habitats, behavior, threats, and more.

Through this project, we hope that students will gain a greater appreciation for the rich diversity of life on our planet and the importance of conserving our natural ecosystems, while enhancing their English language skills.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: 'Explorers of Life: A Multi-Lingual Adventure'

Project Objective:

This project aims to:

• Empower students to identify, understand, and describe various species of animals and plants in English, expanding their vocabulary in this area;
• Encourage research, analysis, presentation, and teamwork in a fun and playful format;
• Promote environmental awareness and understanding of ecology and conservation.

Detailed Project Description:

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 students. Each group will become an 'exploration team,' adopting a specific habitat (e.g., desert, rainforest, tundra, etc.) to study. Each team will be responsible for researching and presenting the plant and animal species living in that habitat.

Each team should:

1. Research and Select Species: Identify and select five plant species and five animal species linked to their chosen habitat.

2. Species Profile: Create a detailed 'profile' for each species, including information such as: species name (in Portuguese and English), physical description, habitat, diet, interesting peculiarities, and role in the ecosystem.

3. Creative Presentation: Present their findings in a creative way. This can be through a PowerPoint presentation, a dramatic representation, a video, an art exhibition, etc. The main criterion here is that the presentation must be in English and must involve all team members in some way.

4. Written Report: Additionally, each group must produce a detailed written report in English. This report should capture everything learned during the project.

Required Materials:

• Computers with internet access for research
• Presentation materials (as chosen by the team)

Step-by-Step:

1. Divide the class into teams of 3 to 5 students.
2. Assign a habitat for each team to study.
3. Instruct teams to start researching the plant and animal species living in the assigned habitat.
4. Have each team select five plant species and five animal species for in-depth study.
5. Over the course of a week, let students research and prepare their species profiles and presentations. This time should be used to learn about the species and enhance their English vocabulary.
6. After the preparation time is complete, each team will have two days to complete their written report.

Project Deliverables:

Each team must deliver:

• A creative presentation in English.
• A written report in English detailing the researched species, collected information, and their findings. The report should capture the entire learning process through the initially proposed structure: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography.

The written report should follow this format:

• Introduction: Describe the chosen habitat, its importance, and relevance. Briefly describe the species to be discussed.

• Development: For each species, present the complete profile with all collected information, explaining the research methodology used and briefly discussing the findings.

• Conclusions: Reflect on the knowledge gained, the learning process, and the importance of ecological conservation. Conclusions drawn about the importance of biodiversity should also be part of this section.

• Bibliography: List all sources consulted throughout the project.