Dear Educators,
Kids love farm animals. Noah's Ark Today (NAT) teaches
essential
curricular content through the engaging and almost universally appealing
subject of the farm. With this kit, we offer you a new twist on an old topic.
Using the inspiration and broad base of information available
about farm animals, Noah's Ark Today teaches the skills and abilities
K-5 students must learn for long-term success. Inquiry driven, and steeped
in history, NAT is a rich offering for science and social studies specifically,
with multidisciplinary opportunities spanning the grades.
Upper elementary students learn the scientific method,
practice research skills and apply technology skills while also learning about
the settling of their state or the United States - from the perspective of
the animals. Enhancing their literacy and math skills, they practice reading
fiction and non-fiction, doing on-line research, recording and analyzing data,
graphing and reporting. Lower elementary students immerse themselves in the
topic of farm animals learning science content and skills, practicing literacy
skills (decoding, word recognition, matching, making stories), practicing
math skills (working with manipulatives, graphing, sorting, classifying),
and exercising the creative arts. Across the grades, students work as a part
of a team, create quality products, conduct research, practice self-assessment,
assemble a portfolio, and set their own standards for performance.
Students who have fun while learning retain more. "Fun"
does not mean they are entertained; it means they are engaged, enjoying discoveries,
self-motivated, and persevering in their studies. Noah's Ark Today engenders
this culture in the classroom, fostering an overall love of learning. It promotes
current best practices, using tools (e. g. 5E method, to be discussed) and
methodologies recommended by nationally recognized education organizations
and leading higher education institutions (see Introduction).
Created by and for teachers. NAT is ready to go to work
for you, straight out of the box. It is an exciting adventure for you and
your students, helping you achieve your curricular objectives and supporting
you in achieving excellence in teaching. Have a great time, and thanks for
your interest in sharing rare breeds.
Best wishes for a successful teaching career,

Charles Bassett
Executive Director
American Livestock
Breeds Conservancy