Mrs. Witbeck’s 5th grade English and Language Arts (ELA) classes have immersed themselves in a mini research project on something fascinating….Zoos and their relationship to endangered animals! The students have been working hard to answer the challenging question: Should Zoos Exist?
“We have conducted a great deal of research- reading articles, learning about different zoos, watching videos, and lastly-visiting The Bronx Zoo to observe with our own eyes!” explained Mrs. Witbeck.
All of the research has set students up to determine their own stance on the issue. Now the students have started writing argumentative essays to persuade others to take their side.
Throughout the research students have learned a great deal about reliable sources, credibility, the art of persuasion, and whether or not zoos are helpful or harmful places for animals. The field trip to the Bronx Zoo helped to bring the project to life.
“The amazing trip brought excitement in to our ELA class as students are now using their own experiences to help them write with persuasion,” said Mrs. Witbeck.
Thank you to our fifth graders and their families for participating in fundraising to make this trip possible! We’d also like to give a HUGE thank you to our PTO for their generosity in making this trip possible!
We can’t wait to put our essays on display soon for others to read!