Teacher Case Study: Kimberly Corallo (3)

Dysart Unified School District (AZ)

A Defined STEM Learning Experience From:
Kimberly Corallo
Gifted Instructional Assistant
Dysart Unified School District (AZ)

Performance Task: 
Animal Adaptations 

Here’s What We Did:
For this performance task I had students research the history of their favorite animal. They compared what the animal looked like decades ago and how it looks today. They learned what an adaptation is and how animals make them through the years to adapt to their environments and ensure survival. Students had to create a slideshow using their research and pictures. They also had to create a physical model of their animal. 

Why Defined STEM Was the Perfect Fit:
My students love the Defined STEM performance tasks because they are educational and fun. Students especially enjoyed this task because they love animals. The task materials gave students a good idea of what an adaptation is then got to apply what they learned to their favorite animal. Defined STEM tasks give students an outline of the project but allow enough room for the student to choose the topic and get creative.