Cross-Curricular Project: Exploring the Animal Kingdom through "James and the Giant Peach: Animal Kingdom (Science) and Animal Idioms (literacy) #crosscurricular work

Cross-Curricular Project: Exploring the Animal Kingdom through "James and the Giant Peach

Main Objective: To integrate Science and Literacy by studying the animal kingdom with a focus on the characters from "James and the Giant Peach" by Roald Dahl. Our students will learn about various animals, their characteristics, habitats, and behaviours, while also engaging in creative writing and comprehension activities related to the book.

Subjects Involved:

- Science

- Literacy

Introduction to the Animal Kingdom and "James and the Giant Peach"

Science: Victoria's Lesson on Animal Classification:

 - Introduction to the basic classification of animals (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates).

 - Discuss key characteristics of each group.

 - Activity: Create a classification chart.

Literacy: "James and the Giant Peach.": discussing the main characters and setting.

- Activity with MARÍA JOSÉ: Create character charts for the insects (invertebrates) he meets (Grasshopper, Spider, Ladybug, Centipede, Earthworm).

-  Detailed Study of the Insects in "James and the Giant Peach".

Science: Insect Anatomy and Habitats:

   - With Marina and Victoria: Study the anatomy of invertebrates (head, thorax, abdomen, exoskeleton, etc.).

   - Explore different habitats where insects live.

   - Activity: Draw and label the anatomy of an insect character from the book.

Literacy (Marina) : Animal idioms  and origami  

- Activity: Choose one of the idioms learnt in class and create your own origami animal to illustrate that idiom.

Research and Exploration. Science: Research Project:

   - Each student selects some invertebrates from the book to research in detail and compare and contrast them

   - Topics to cover: habitat, diet, life cycle, interesting facts.

   - Activity: Create a compare and contrast chart with the chosen invertebrates.

Literacy with Marina and Maria José: Comprehension and Discussion optional : Discuss the plot development and how the insect characters contribute to the story. In the next project the students will need to design an imaginary insect that will be part of the story of James and the Giant Peach. 

Activity: Group discussion and question and answers session about the themes associated to this new character (the imaginary invertebrate) and events that could develop with its presence in the storyline of the book.

Final Presentation: The students must present their animal comparison chart.

Assessment:

- Participation and engagement in class discussions and activities.

- Quality and accuracy of the chart.

- Creativity and coherence.

- Presentation skills and ability to convey information effectively.

Resources:

- Our book: "James and the Giant Peach" by Roald Dahl

- Access to research materials (the internet)

- Art supplies for posters and illustrations

- Presentation tools (PowerPoint, canva, poster boards, genially)

Outcome: By the end of this project, our students will have a deeper understanding of the animal kingdom and enhanced literacy skills through their engagement with "James and the Giant Peach." They will have developed research, creative writing, and presentation skills, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to learning