Take a chance. Get to know someone. Understand who they are.
A narrative writing project exploring the life of Jane Goodall and her chimpanzees
Learning Objectives
I WILL explain events and facts from THREE informational sources
SO THAT I CAN use information found to understand and develop a character.
I'LL KNOW I'VE GOT IT WHEN I create a unique narrative story describing the point of view of a character using details and facts from multiple informational sources.
Learn about this amazing scientist and conservationist who has dedicated her life to learning about and protecting chimpanzees!
Jane Goodall is a British scientist born on April 3, 1934, in London, England. She is best known for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees in the wild forests of Gombe, Tanzania.
Beginning in 1960, Jane spent years living among chimpanzees, observing them up close in their natural habitat. She discovered that chimpanzees make and use tools — something previously thought to be unique to humans. She watched as chimps stripped leaves from twigs to "fish" termites out of mounds.
Jane also documented that chimps have complex social lives, show emotions like joy, sadness, and grief, and form strong family bonds. Her findings forever changed how we think about the relationship between humans and other animals.
Jane Goodall has since become one of the world's most well-known advocates for wildlife conservation and environmental protection. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute and travels the world speaking about protecting chimpanzees and their habitats.
Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, Africa — this is where Jane Goodall lived and worked.
As you look at this image, think about: What sounds would you hear? What would the air smell like? What would you see from the trees? How would you feel about the humans observing you?
Using what you learned from the video, the article, and the images of Gombe, write your narrative.
Write a first-hand experience of Jane Goodall's time spent researching chimpanzees, from the point of view of a chimpanzee.
