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E.T. A LOCAL WAY OF LEARNING


Title:


Author:


Grade Level:


Concepts:
1.The Sun
2.Ecosystems
3. Carrying Capacity


HOW ANIMALS MOVE

Deborah Griffith-Johnson
Eulalie R. Rivera Elementary School

2


Disciplines:
1. Language Arts
2. Science
3. Art
4.Mathematics


Objectives:

To develop a keen sense of observation of animal structure and movement and the use of descriptive
adjectives to explain motion, students will observe animals and record their manner of locomotion.

Rationale:

In obtaining food and escaping predators animals have evolved many forms of movement. For example,
snakes were once four legged animals resembling today's lizard in proportion. The ecological niche will hold
just so many creatures and nature's law is to adapt to existing conditions or become extinct.

Materials Needed:

Containers with lids to hold animals for a short time, plastic preferably. Insect nets, one for each group. If
nets not available, the plastic containers and lid can be used as insect catcher. Hand lens if available. Saran
Wrap.

Directions:

Make sure that the children understand the difference between living and non-living; that rocks, sand, and
dirt are not living things and therefore are not animals. Have children name some familiar animals. Write
the names on the board. Have children explain how many legs/wings each one has and how each moves:
walk, hop, crawl, fly.

Explain to the children that they are going outside in groups to find animals that move. Have them try
different locations on the school grounds. Demonstrate the use of the net in sweeping motions through grass.

Distribute containers and nets, one jar and one net per group. Have the children go out and catch animals
that move. Allow five minutes.

Teacher Reference:


LSIM Film Loops:


XFL 67 How Living Things Move The Spider
XFL 68 How Living Things Move The Land Snail
SFL 70 How Living Things Move The Grasshopper


E-24







Activity:


Name

HOW ANIMALS MOVE Group

Back in class with the captured critters, carefully take the cover from the container and quickly cover with
Saran Wrap so that you can see the animals. Use a hand lens to see the animals better:

1. How many animals did your group catch?

2. How many different kinds do you have?

3. If your group has one kind, or several different kinds, draw a picture of each kind and describe each and
how it moves around.

Animal "A" Picture Describe/Movement









Do you know what the name of animal "A" is?
Animal "B" Picture Describe/movement








Do you know what the name of animal "B" is?
Animal "C" Picture Describe/Movement









Do you know what the name of animal "C" is?


4. How do these animals fit into the environment? Discuss.