5ALocate the “Critters from

Alien Earth Learning Activity” and complete it up to and including the

completion of the Dr Newzoo’s Critters

worksheet

Animals

Looking at paintings by Henri Rousseau

Goodbye...Earthlings

Some of the animals were this big,Some were bigger,Some had big ears,

Some had small,Some had beaks....

There were so many, how did they look?Hmmmm, I will have to draw things to

remember...

Now its time to draw the animals!

5BDescribe how the design of this first stage of the

lesson supports the development of creative

thinking .

Setting up a large whiteboard or an easel with a big piece of paper to draw brainstorming ideas is a good way to introduce this activity. Whiteboards are more preferable because it allows the teacher to erase and redraw free-flowing ideas at will. The use of a whiteboard for this kind of presentation also results in a neater and easier-to-read set of Brainstorming notes. It is also handy to have a supply of markers in several colours. Different colours can be used to indicate different groups or levels of ideas.

As each concept comes up, the entire class should help to expand the concept. For example, once "a paw" appears on the whiteboard, pop out whatever ideas come to mind that are related to animals. For example, there are the various parts of the body on various animals that make their appearance differ: A kangaroo has two large hind legs, two small paws, small ears and a pouch. The teacher should sketch these down as they ideas down as they come up.

The main benefits of brainstorming is that it breaks down the instructions for the students to follow before they start trying to follow the sometimes “all-too-complicated directions” It brings out great ideas and information hidden within their minds. It cultivates the student’s creativity in their minds; and helps them realize the endless possibilities. It is fun too as it keeps them on their toes and always keeps their minds thinking more.

In the Dr Newzoo’s Crazy Critters activity the brainstorming session is extended by using the visual displays on the whiteboard to act as prompts to visualize their own crazy critter. Once the students start sketching on the worksheet, they can not only come up with new ideas of their own, they can also sketch out their ideas and designs to see if they can interpret their ideas, and come up with a design that they are confident and happy to use for their final presentation. By allowing students to sketch out their ideas, it allows students to make errors and to find their way, to make progress with their work. It also allows the students to be flexible and change their mind if they decide that this is the best course of action for them.

Brainstorming and practice helps students keep a healthy and happy atmosphere around them, whilst making them understand the goal they need to achieve. During this time they can find out different solutions that will lead them to achieve their goal.

5CComplete the remainder of the Critters from Alien Earth project.

Now for my masterpiece...

Even if I do say so myself!

I present to you...The Dingaroo!

Goodbye!