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Chickenology: The Art and Science of Keeping Chickens

School: Maplewood Richmond Heights School District

City/State: Maplewood, MO

Grade(s): 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Format(s): Book: Nonfiction/Informational

Subject(s): English Language Arts, Science and Technology, Visual Arts

Project Overview

This manual was written by a group of middle school and high school students in the Maplewood Richmond Heights school district. The students, known as the “Chickenologists”, care for the district’s flock of chickens.  This comprehensive manual on how to raise chickens also includes research about chickens, articles featuring local community members who raise chickens, photographs, illustrations and essays written by the students reflecting on their personal experience in the project.

This project is an excellent example of students learning real-world skills and the benefits and consequences of doing a good job.  Students learned responsibility, leadership and organizational skills while caring for their chickens.  They created a schedule for letting the chickens out of the coop every morning at 7:00 am, cleaning and caring for them.  Students involved in the project got to spend time with animals they clearly enjoyed and the benefit of fresh eggs.  Students who missed their chicken care duties were removed from the project.

In addition to the huge task of caring for their chickens, the students also created all of the text and layout for this book.  Chickenology: The Art and Science of Keeping Chickens is available for purchase on the MRH School District website. 

How This Project Can Be Useful

  • An example of student writing for an authentic audience and for a real purpose.
  • An excellent example of the real world skill of procedural and descriptive writing.
  • A great example of dedication and responsibility by students.
  • An example of high quality work that is a combination of different types of writing and artwork.

Common Core State Standards

Standard Long Term Learning Target
W.7.2
  • I can write informative/explanatory texts that convey ideas and concepts using relevant information that is carefully selected and organized.
W.8.2
  • I can write informative/explanatory texts that convey ideas and concepts using relevant information that is carefully selected and organized.
W.7.4
  • I can produce clear and coherent writing that is appropriate to task, purpose and audience.
W.7.5
  • With support from peers and adults, I can use a writing process to ensure that purpose and audience have been addressed.
W.8.5
  • With support from peers and adults, I can use the writing process to ensure that purpose and audience have been addressed.
W.9-10.2
  • I can write informative/explanatory texts that convey complex ideas and concepts clearly and accurately, using content that is carefully selected, organized, and analyzed.
W.9-10.4
  • I can produce clear and coherent writing appropriate to task, purpose and audience.
W.9-10.5
  • I can use the writing process to focus on what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.
W.11-12.4
  • I can produce clear and coherent writing appropriate to task, purpose and audience.
W.11-12.5
  • I can use the writing process to focus on what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.
L.7.1
  • I can use correct grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
L.7.2
  • I can use correct capitalization, punctuation and spelling to send a clear message to my reader.
L.7.3
  • I can express ideas with precision.
L.8.1
  • I can use correct grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
L.8.2
  • I can use correct capitalization, punctuation and spelling to send a clear message to my reader.
L.8.3
  • I can intentionally use verbs in active and passive voice and in the conditional and subjunctive mood.
L.7.6
  • I can use resources to build my vocabulary.
L.8.6
  • I can use resources to build my vocabulary.
WHST.6-8.2
  • EL has not created long-term learning targets for WHST standards.
WHST.6-8.4
  • EL has not created long-term learning targets for WHST standards.
WHST.6-8.5
  • EL has not created long-term learning targets for WHST standards.
WHST.9-10.2
  • EL has not created long-term learning targets for WHST standards.
WHST.9-10.4
  • EL has not created long-term learning targets for WHST standards.
WHST.9-10.5
  • EL has not created long-term learning targets for WHST standards.
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