Catholic stewardship of care for creation learned through virtual zookeeping project
The fourth-grade class at Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child in Summit recently showcased their STEM expertise and their care for creatures with a unique project – a virtual zoo.
The project highlighted the importance of peer collaboration and STEM skills, as well as Catholic teachings of respecting our Creator by being good stewards of the planet and creation. Using the kid-friendly 3D programming tool, CoSpaces Edu, the students created a virtual zoo as a culmination of their science unit on the structure and function of plants and animals.
Regina Cherill, 3rd-6th grade STEM teacher, and Kimberly Connolly, Associate Director of Technology Innovation and Integration and Lower School Technology Teacher, spearheaded the collaborative project. According to Cherill, the zoo was the result of “a cross-curricular project in which the students created computer-generated ecosystems based on how the [animal’s] brain processes external stimuli.”
Each student researched a specific animal. Instead of categorizing animals by geographic region or habitat, the students analyzed the sensory receptors of animals such as the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and internal organs most crucial for the animal’s survival. By analyzing sensory receptors, the students practiced scientific reasoning skills and critical thinking.
The project contained Catholic teachings through the concept of stewardship of our planet and its living creatures. Students discussed and explored humane designs in zoos, “considering their role as stewards of the planet and their obligations to protect animals,” Cherill said.
“We thought about our role as stewards of the planet and the obligations we have to protect animals, along with the opportunity to appreciate the diversity of animal life on our planet,” Cherill said.
During the project, students took on the role of “experts,” providing an opportunity for peer mentoring. Projects contained “glow and grow zones” for students to leave positive feedback when their peers excelled, and where the project needed improvement.
The students utilized their Chromebooks for online research and to access CoSpaces, where they crafted their virtual 3D zoo exhibits.
The students were challenged by CoSpaces’ 3D elements limitations.
However, these challenges became opportunities for the students to express creativity and ingenuity, according to Cherill. Students enhanced the designs using some of their coding skills. The graphic design tool Canva was used for digital image editing and transforming hand-drawn images into stickers.
To experience the students’ virtual zoo firsthand, click below:
