Arctic Babies
Learning Objectives/Lesson GoalsStudents will become familiar with the animals of the Arctic region, their young, and adaptations.
WHEREClassroom
WHOClassroom Volunteers
MATERIALS

  • Ability to show video

  • Book Arctic Babies by Kathy Darling

  • Pictures of juvenile arctic animals laminated and strung on yarn (to be worn as a necklace).


ACTIVITIES

  1. Show video A Walk in the Arctic.

  2. Read the story to the children to introduce them to many Arctic animals.

  3. Explain that some animals live on the ice in the Arctic and some animals live on the frozen ground, called tundra.

  4. Encourage kids to describe the animals that they are seeing and ask them “what and why” questions about:

    • Coloration-what color are these animals?

    • Feeding-What do these animals eat?

    • Fur or no fur-Why does this animal have fur?

    • Why does another animal have smooth skin and/or blubber?

    • Swimmer-Does this animal swim to find food?

  5. Show laminated animal pictures to the children and have them identify what they are

  6. Tell the children you will be putting a mystery picture on the back of one student so they cannot see it but the other children can. They are to ask the other children questions to help them guess what the animal is. The students can only answer Yes, No, or Maybe to the questions.

  7. Choose a student to go first and put the picture on his/her back. Have the child turn around so the other animals can see what animal s/he has become. S/he then asks questions to discover her own identity. If needed, coach students in their questioning.

  8. Take turns with animals and pictures as needed.