| Showcase Students’ Learning
Monarch Migration Assessment Tools
The monarch spring migration wraps up in June. During the year students made predictions, analyzed maps, read and discussed booklets/slideshows, reflected in journals, and explored concepts with engaging lessons and handouts.
As the end of the school year approaches, think about a culmination project or presentation to wrap up your Monarch Migration unit. Have students create a product that showcases concepts learned and skills attained. Here are some examples to spark your thinking:
- Monarch Migration Scrapbook—Invite students to review updates and materials used during the year. Have them collect photos, quotes, facts, and other items that could be used to design a scrapbook that shows what they did and what they learned on their Journey North with monarch butterflies.
- Ads or Travel Brochures—Challenge students to create an advertisement or brochure that encourages a reluctant butterfly to migrate in the spring. Students must “sell” the trip by describing the route, highlights of the trip, food resources, and what awaits their offspring in the northern breeding grounds. Another option is to create a brochure that persuades other classes to participate in Journey North. Showcase what students will do and what they will learn. See sample from Tulip Test-garden Study.
- Specific Performance Task—Challenge students to a task (real or hypothetical) that requires them to apply what concepts learned.
- Sample Task: Compare and contrast data on migration maps from past seasons. (See migration map archives.)
- Sample Task: Present a persuasive speech about monarch conservation issues.
- Displays That “Tell a Story”—Have small groups apply what they’ve learned by creating bulletin boards, museum exhibits, or art collages depicting changes that happen during the spring season. (For example see: Follow Spring's Journey North.)
- Student Portfolios—Invite students to review their work and select items for their portfolio to showcase what they learned.
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