Prehistoric Habitat Boxes
Ms. Paquin
For this lesson, fourth and fifth graders learned an interdisciplinary topic that connects art and science. Through studying geological timelines in evolutionary history, students were able to begin to explore how humans came to be. From the smallest single-celled organisms to modern humans today, our students picked historical creatures to replicate and construct habitats for, creating a better understanding of our history as humans on Earth. The three-dimensional sculpting of these historical animals facilitates muscle memory, which increases information retention and enhances fine motor skills.
Students viewed an introductory slideshow with information on the Paleozoic Era (570 million-245 million years ago), Mesozoic Era (245-66 million years ago), and Cenozoic Era (66 million years ago - Today). Each of their organisms is from one of these three eras.
Step 1: Planning and Researching!
Students learned about 3 different eras in geological history, then picked an animal from one of the eras to study and create out of clay.
Step 1: Planning and Researching!
Students learned about 3 different eras in geological history, then picked an animal from one of the eras to study and create out of clay.
(L to R): Sofia, Ms. Fuller, Ellie, and Ms. Paquin doing some research on Dodo Birds + other organisms.
Step 2: Wire Armature and Clay Animals
Here, you'll find our students' wire armatures/ clay animals.
Anika
Ellie
Isla
Jordan
Kairi
Karina
Pam
Sofia
Willoughby
Gianella
Step 3: Habitat Boxes!
Here, you'll find the complete constructed habitats for the students' animals.
Ellie
Dodo bird in a wooded forest.
Cenozoic Era
Karina
Bacteria cells on a piece of cheese.
Phanerozoic Era
Sofia
Mesozoic Era
Willoughby
Cenozoic Era