How to Create a Life-Size Animal Project
Many children enjoy learning about animals because of their diversity. Animals are often beautiful or at least interesting-looking. They adapt to their environments so well that they don't require elaborate shelters or clothing like humans do. Students are often fascinated by these qualities. However, it may sometimes be difficult to study the vast array of wildlife on the Earth.
Help children categorize animals by habitat and type by creating a hands-on project for them. By making life-size animal portraits and placing them in the correct habitat, the children can learn why animals act and look the way they do.
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Things You'll Need
- Butcher paper
- Paint
- Paint brushes
- Scissors
- Tape
- Animal information guides
- Yardstick
Instructions
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1
Roll out long lengths of white butcher paper to cover at least two walls completely. Choose three or four habitats for the students to paint onto the paper. The tropics, the arctic, the desert and the ocean are four good, general choices, but you can match the habitats to your lesson plans.
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2
Split the classroom into four groups and assign each group one habitat. Split the four groups into smaller groups of two or three and have each small group create one animal from each habitat. Give each group several pieces of poster board and tape.
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3
Direct the students to choose an appropriate animal from their textbooks. Tell them to choose an animal that is no taller or longer than about 5 feet. Make sure each very small group chooses a different animal and that the animals are appropriate to their habitat.
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4
Help the students use yardsticks to draw the exact height and length of their animal, including wingspans, tails and long necks. Have them draw the outlines of their animals around these lines so the animals are the proper dimensions.
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5
Give each group paint colors appropriate to their animals and let them paint stripes, spots, scales and feathers on each animal. Allow the paint to dry while you discuss the animals and why they have different attributes. How do these things help them in their environment? Cut out the animals and tape them to the right habitat.
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