Materials
Cotton swabs or ice cream sticks
Small jars or cages
Dark-colored construction paper
Instructions
1. Obtain permission for children to go on a walk. Find a woodsy area where there are fallen branches and rocks.
2. Lift the rocks and branches to reveal slugs, bugs and salamanders.
3. Gently lift the creatures with fingers, sticks or cotton swabs, and place them into the jars. Encourage the children to observe them.
4. Place a slug on the dark paper to show how it leaves a trail.
5. Talk about the differences among the animals found in the same habitat and how they are alike.
6. Always return the animals to their habitats.More to doArt: Gather nature items while on a walk and make a habitat collage.Games: Make a game in which the child matches the animal to its habitat: the bunny with its hold; the bird with its nest; the fish with water; the spider with its web; and people with their houses.
