Make arrangements for student use of the school computer lab for research. Instruct students on brochure construction. Most word processing programs have a "brochure" feature, which allows the students the opportunity to produce a computer-generated product. Provide materials that may be helpful for the research.

The following Internet resources may provide additional information for the student's research:
Utah Plant and Animal Life
Fourth Grade Sci-ber Site
Internet Resources

Review and explain that animals and plants live in environments that best meet their survival needs. Discuss the plant and animal life that is found in the mountains of Northern Utah. Assign the students to make a list of the animals, insects and plants that live in Utah.

Ask each student to select one living thing from the list. The student will research and write a report about the living thing. The report might include the following information. What living thing did you pick? Where is it found? If it is an animal, what does it eat? What eats it? Is the species abundant or endangered in the mountains of Northern Utah?

Students will use their report to create an informational brochure or poster. The brochure or poster should include a picture of the selected plant or animal.

Assessment
Students will:

Students identify plant and/or animal species that may be affected by the 2002 Winter Olympics. Students will determine precautions that should be taken to preserve the biodiversity of the Northern Utah Mountains before, during and after the Olympics.

Students learn more about the animals represented by the Olympic mascots.