A. Blair McPherson School | March Madness

ANIMAL CONSERVATION

Over 1000 students, teachers, parents, and zoo employees participated in A. Blair McPherson School’s 7th Annual March Animal Madness! In this grade 9 student-led writing and research inquiry project, students supported their science and language arts class by selecting an animal, researching its adaptations, behaviour, and conservation status, and then writing about these using five different writing styles! Staff and students at A. Blair McPherson and many schools across Edmonton (and outside of Edmonton) took part by reading about each animal and voting them through to the next round!

From the very first round—“Welcome to the Jungle”—to the intense “Roar of the Final Four,” animals battled head-to-head in a bracket-style competition. The stakes? The Golden Moose Trophy and ultimate bragging rights! Even eliminated species got a shot at redemption in the thrilling Zombie Pick Round, where four lucky creatures clawed their way back into the competition!

But winning wasn’t just about votes—it was about science, storytelling, and strategy. During March, students campaigned for their animals with print ads, videos, and persuasive presentations, all while refining their research and writing skills. Every matchup was a test of who could communicate their animal’s strengths the best, and when ties happened, it was the quality of research that decided the victor.

After weeks of intense competition and school-wide debates, only one species could claim the championship. 

So, who won?!?!

THE RED PANDA!!!!!!!