"How big is a leatherback turtle?

The question that was posed by the grade 7 student in science class produced a teachable moment that led to discovery of: process, problem solving, aesthetic expression and  knowledge. 

Why?

Another student upon hearing the question stated, " Let's make one!"

My question was, "How?"

This led to the development of a process, by the students, that  involved the entire class in making a life size replica of a leatherback turtle using paper mache. 

Students quickly identified the problems they had to face.
 

What materials are we going to use?
Will they be strong enough?
How can we break tasks down so smaller groups can work independently?
What is the length, width and height of a  turtle? 
What are our steps from start to finish?
What are we going to do with the turtle after it is finished?
 

As a result:

A lifesized replica of a leatherback turtle was created by 26 members of the class.

The students were visited by representatives of the The Nova Scotia Leatherback Working Group.

The 4 C's Foundation came and asked the students to explain the process they developed to create the lifesize turtle.

A canvas was painted with our turtle on it and names were added to be displayed with the turtle in the school's cafeteria.