I have completed several different animal research projects with my first grade students.  In the first project the students researched New Jersey birds.  I created a multimedia website in "Flash" that each student used to select and find information about a New Jersey bird.  The project finished with the students using "Kid Pix" to write reports and draw pictures of their birds. 

Bird Research Site

Sample Student Research Reports

This research project was then extended to allow each student to select any animal.  Two classes created animal reports including photographs, drawings and text using "Kid Pix".  I  then took all the finished Kid Pix reports and created an online class animal book.

1J's Animal Reseach Book

1H's Animal Research Book

The third class created an animal report website with the help of their teachers. 

1 B's Animal Research Website