Inventing a New Species of Invertebrates for "James and the Giant Peach" #creativity #cross-curricular #co-teaching #LanguageSkillsInScience

Inventing a New Species of Invertebrates for "James and the Giant Peach"

ACTIVITY: Inventing a New Species of Invertebrates for "James and the Giant Peach"

Individual task.

You will use your creativity and understanding of invertebrates to design a new species that could be part of the fantastical world of "James and the Giant Peach." This activity combines creativity with scientific knowledge, allowing you to apply what you have learnt about invertebrates in a fun and imaginative way.

Materials:

Paper and pencils
Coloured markers or crayons
Reference class materials from Victoria's lessons about invertebrates
Craft supplies (optional: pipe cleaners, googly eyes, construction paper, etc.)
Worksheet: "Design Your Own Invertebrate"

MINI-PROJECT STRUCTURE

1. Introduction (10 minutes, IN THE LITERACY LESSON with MARIA JOSÉ):

Briefly review the main invertebrate characters from "James and the Giant Peach" (e.g., the Old Green Grasshopper, Miss Spider, Centipede, Earthworm, and Ladybug).

Discuss the characteristics that make these characters unique and how they contribute to the story.

2. Brainstorming Session (15 minutes, in the SCIENCE LESSON WITH VICTORIA):

Think about different types of invertebrates (insects, arachnids, mollusks, etc.).

brainstorm features that could make an invertebrate interesting or unusual (e.g., glowing antennae, extra legs, special abilities like web-spinning or camouflage).

3. Design Phase (20 minutes, with our LITERACY ADVISER, Marina, DURING THE SCIENCE LESSON):

You will receive a hand out: "Invent Your Own New Species of Invertebrate" worksheet.

Follow the instructions, step by step:

1. Draw your new invertebrate species.

2. Name your species: COMMON NAME.

3. Scientific Name.

4. Briefly Describe its habitat.

Explain any special abilities or characteristics. (DETAILS AND CURIOSITIES).

4. Write a brief backstory of how this invertebrate might interact with James and the other characters on the Giant Peach.

5. Sharing and Discussion (15 minutes, with our LITERACY ADVISER, Marina, DURING THE SCIENCE LESSON):

Each student will present their new invertebrate to the class.
In the informal presentation you must explain why you chose certain features and how your invertebrate would fit into the story.

OPTIONAL, WITH VICTORIA: Discussion on the diversity of invertebrates and how their unique adaptations help them survive.