Start by picking two animals and compare their characteristics.   Research what characteristics are by using the BYOD Library link on the side.  All animals have distinct characteristics that enable them to survive.  This first part can be done orally or written down if you want extra practice writing.  Example:

• Deer vs chickadee

  • Fur vs feathers

  • Four legs vs two legs

  • Can't fly vs can fly

  • Big vs small

  • Any other characteristics

Once you have done this activity for a number of pairs of animals you can then play the game "Who Am I?".  Here is how you play:

• Take a walk outside or around the house to get moving

• One person thinks of an animal (make sure this is an animal they know a lot about)

• The other person or people ask "yes" and "no" questions until they have a guess at what the secret animal is

  • Examples of "yes" or "no" questions:

    • Does your animal have fur?

    • Does your animal fly?

    • Is your animal big?

    • Does your animal live in Ontario?

    • Is  your animal a mammal?

    • Any other questions you can think of

When someone guesses the secret animal then it is their turn to pick the secret animal!

Curriculum Links:

• See Oral Communication - Animal Show and Share

• See Visual Arts  - Draw an animal

NOTE: This can be used with the Nature Journaling activity at the top of the page.

THIS ACTIVITY WILL TAKE PLACE OVER SEVERAL DAYS

When most individuals think about forest fires they immediately think about all the destruction and loss of life.  However, have you ever considered that on some scale forest fires are beneficial to the environment and the animals that live there?  In this activity we are going to explore this concept.

Step #1:

• Watch the video to the left titled "Why Natural Wildfires are Necessary"

• Make note of how fire helps certain species

Step #2:

• Read about the following species that have adaptations for forest fires;

  • Black-backed Woodpecker

  • Black Fire Beetle

  • Jack Pine Tree

  • Black Morel Mushrooms

  • Colorado Fire Moth

  • Any others you come across

Step #3:

• Create your own species that has structural adaptations to either survive a forest fire or that requires it for its survival.  This is where you can get as creative as you would like.  Here are some ideas but again you can use whatever you would like.

  • Draw/paint

  • Sculpt with clay/Play-Doh

  • Use recycled materials

  • Anything else you can think of

• Once you are finished with your art project either write a description or create a short video of your new species include the following information;  name, habitat, adaptations, life cycle, food and any other cool facts.  Take a look at the PBS Video "Deep Look - Daddy Longlegs" for some inspiration.

NOTE: This can be used with the Nature Journaling activity at the top of the page.

In the activity Species Account from John (Jack) Muir Laws and Emilie Lygren's book: How to Teach Nature Journaling.  "Students describe a growing plant, a decomposing object, or a landscape feature as it changes over multiple observation sessions. "

All resources shared with permission.

It's time to get your "silly" on!  Go for a walk or look out your window and make up a new name for any living thing you see.  Be sure to use the characteristics of the living thing in your new name.  Be creative and have fun! 

Look at the pictures on the left for some inspiration.  

Try taking a photo or drawing a picture of your living thing to go along with your silly name.

NOTE: This can be used with the Nature Journaling activity at the top of the page.