This week in Grade Four, we wrapped up our work inspired by the book The Barnabus Project. What began as a story about unique and unusual creatures quickly turned into a creative and scientific adventure of our own.
Students began by designing their very own original critter. They carefully thought about what their creature would look like and how its body parts would help it survive. From sharp teeth designed for tearing food, to large eyes for spotting danger, to strong legs for climbing or escaping predators, students explored how structure and function work together. Using what we’ve been learning in Science about animal adaptations, they wrote detailed descriptive paragraphs explaining how their critter’s physical features supported its survival in its environment.
We then stepped into the role of scientists. Instead of simply describing our critters, students wrote field notes as if they were observing them in their natural habitats. They carefully recorded behaviours, movements, feeding patterns, and interactions with the environment, using clear and specific language. This helped strengthen both their scientific thinking and their ability to write with precision.
Next, students described their critter’s perfect place, the habitat where it would thrive best. They focused on vivid details to help readers clearly picture the setting. Using their descriptions, students worked in Canva to create a digital image that matched their writing, bringing their imagined worlds to life.
To extend their thinking even further, students wrote a narrative about an adventure their critter experienced. In these stories, their creatures faced challenges, solved problems, and demonstrated the unique traits they had thoughtfully designed from the beginning.
To finish, students organized all of their work into official “Critter Files.” This project beautifully blended science, descriptive writing, storytelling, and digital creativity. We are so proud of the imagination, effort, and thoughtful connections to learning that students demonstrated throughout this work. Be sure to ask your child about their critter, they are truly the experts on their creation!
