Hey Everyone,
I'm absolutely thrilled to share an incredible learning journey with you all – The Volume Zoo! This project is not just about learning math; it's a chance for our students to dive deep into their creativity while exploring essential math concepts.
The Volume Zoo Expedition
The Volume Zoo project is all about tapping into our students' creativity and mathematical skills. With simple materials like cardboard boxes and a lot of imagination, they'll craft 3D replicas of an animal of their choice, all while exploring the exciting world of math. I put together step-by-step directions for the project build as well as planning sheets for each part of their build, so every student can follow along seamlessly and I can check in on their project progress easily.
Practical Tips: Managing Materials and Time
All Things Materials
Now, let's talk logistics. Managing materials and time is key for a successful Volume Zoo expedition. We all know that projects can quickly get out of hand if not planned for well. First, let's talk materials. While most materials can be found around the school, it's always nice to get our families involved. I like to send home a letter to the families in my class that year asking for donation of cardboard boxes, cereal boxes, tape and so on. A letter is a great way to involve families and gather additional supplies. It's amazing how supportive our families can be when they're part of the learning process!
Setting a Timeline
The length of this project will change depending on a variety of factors: your students, the length of your learning blocks, and/or how much you want to dive into the different aspects of the project. Since this is an interdisciplinary project I find that a few of my hour math blocks cover the project build and calculations portion of this project. Then I'll embed the creative writing and research portion of the project into my Science and ELA blocks to minimize the amount of time this project takes during the math block. I know pacing is always tight but trust me the volume zoo project is worth this time! Finally, I like to carve out about 45 minutes for the exhibition. The joy on my students' faces as well as the school and families is so worth it!
Creative Writing: The Graphic Organizer and Publishing
Once the animal replicas are built, it's time to unleash our students' creativity through writing. I start by giving them a graphic organizer to help them build a background for the animal. I wanted to create little stories for each animal at the volume zoo exhibition, kind of like you would see at the zoo. Depending on the length of time we have for this I'll go through the entire writing process with them. However, some years I am short on time! So..straight to the final draft it is. They will take their time to create and craft polished stories about their animals. I require them to use and embed the research they have collected about their animals in their final writing. It's incredible to see how their imaginations come to life on paper!
Research Guide and All About Page
Before diving into writing, I pass out an animal research guide to help students learn more about their chosen animals. This enriches their writing with interesting facts and details. And once they're done, they can create a fun "All About" page to showcase their newfound knowledge – it's a great way for them to share what they've learned with others.
Engineering Design and Detailed Rubric
As students dive into constructing their animal replicas, I will guide them through a part of the engineering design process through a scaffolded worksheet. This encourages critical thinking and helps my students ensure their creations are both sturdy and visually appealing. I also like to go over the final rubric with them at this time so they know exactly what I am expecting. The rubric outlines expectations for each aspect of the project – it's a great tool for providing constructive feedback and celebrating students' achievements.
Culminating Event: Hosting a Volume Zoo Exhibition 
To wrap up this amazing journey, consider hosting a Volume Zoo exhibition. It's a chance for students to proudly showcase their animal replicas and projects to the school community and beyond. This event not only celebrates their hard work but also strengthens connections with families and fosters a sense of pride in their accomplishments.
So, why the Volume Zoo?
The Volume Zoo isn't just about building animal replicas – it's about creating an immersive learning experience that engages students' minds and their creativity. By seamlessly integrating math, science, writing, and research, this project empowers students to become active learners and creators in their own educational journey. So, who's ready to join me on this wild adventure? You can find a copy of the resources I use when completing this project here.