Building Animal Homes Using Natural Materials
About this lesson
In this 45-minute kindergarten science lesson, children are given an animal such as a bird, beaver, bee, or rabbit and build it a shelter from at least three materials, then explain their choices to classmates. They learn how a home keeps an animal safe from danger. You'll need craft sticks, cotton balls, paper cups, tape, construction paper, and scissors.
- Grade
- Kindergarten
- Subject
- Science
- Time
- 45 min
Objective
Students will construct simple animal shelters to demonstrate understanding of how animals meet their basic needs for protection.
Materials
- craft sticks
- cotton balls
- paper cups
- tape
- construction paper
- scissors
Hook
Ask students to think about all the animals they've learned about this year. Show them a craft stick and ask what animal might use something like this to build their home.
Main Activity
Students will build homes for different animals using the provided materials. Give each student or pair one animal to focus on (bird, beaver, bee, rabbit). They must use at least three different materials to construct their animal's shelter. Students walk around the room to show their creations, explaining what materials they chose and why their animal needs this type of home for protection. Create a classroom display of all the animal homes built together.
Discussion Questions
- What materials did you choose for your animal's home and why?
- How does your animal's home keep it safe from danger?
- What would happen if your animal didn't have a safe place to live?
- Which animal home was most similar to yours and why?
- What other materials might your animal use in nature to build its home?
Exit Ticket
Draw one thing your animal needs to stay safe in its home.
Differentiation
Support: Provide pre-cut materials and picture cards showing different animal homes for students who need visual support.
Extension: Challenge students to build homes for two different animals and explain how the homes are different based on each animal's needs.
