3rd-5th

Uncovering Habitats

Use a small shovel or rake to uncover three different areas in your yard. Compare what they look like or how they differ in your journal. Go out during the warmer part of the day to see what small creatures you notice in your areas.

Possible areas to explore:

• Pine needles under a tree.

• Piles of leaves

• Mulch or bark bedding in landscape area

• Underneath large rocks

Reflection Thoughts...

• Count the number of different organisms you find.

• Were some areas better habitats than others?

• What might change how many creatures you are able to find?

Mapping Your World

In your journal sketch or draw a diagram of your backyard or the space you are using. Mark areas such as buildings, fences, borders, and trees. You will be using this map to sketch out your plan to build a ground shelter or fairy garden.

1. Choose one of the habitats you visited early in the week.

2. Make a prediction…Will your habitat have more creatures each day, the same amount, or fewer.

3. Go back each day and count the number of creatures you see in a 2 foot square area. Ask an adult for a tape measure or you can estimate.

4. Each day, uncover the top layer and count the number of creatures you have. Carefully cover the top layer at the end of your count.

5. After 5 days, make a bar graph of your observations.

6. Draw a picture in your journal of a creature you found.

Fairy (or toad) gardens are make believe spaces that kids or adults create outside to lure fairies or toads to come and live in their yard. You can gain inspiration by searching the internet for ideas about fairy gardens. Once you have some ideas, follow the guide below to build your own fairy garden. Send us some pictures so we can see your creation.

1. Research for inspiration. Look at what other builders have done to help inspire you for your idea.

2. Sketch a picture of what you would like your fairy garden to be when it is done. Remember, your drawing is only an idea. Your actual structure can be whatever you make it.

3. Gather materials. We like natural materials such as sticks, stones, bark, leaves, sod, and just about anything you can find in nature. You can also incorporate items from in your house with parent permission.

4. Build Your Creation. Put together your found materials, build your structure, and add more as your imagination starts to grow.

Fairy Garden Inspiration Video

If you have access to sticks or brush, you can build your own fort and hang out in it. You can gain inspiration through research or just get out and build. This build is less about design and planning and more about creative thinking and problem solving as you go. Be safe and keep your forts on the ground unless you are building with a parent!