No Hands!
Investigate through role play animal behavior without the use of hands.
Big Idea: Animals have characteristics that help them adapt to different environments.
Materials:
- Chart paper, makers
- Tape
Illinois Learning Standards:
4.A Understand how literary elements and techniques are used to convey meaning.
4.B Read and interpret a variety of literary works.
11.A Know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of scientific inquiry.
12.A Know and apply concepts that explain how living things function, adapt and change.
12.B Know and apply concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environment.
31.A Develop a positive self-concept.
4.B Read and interpret a variety of literary works.
11.A Know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of scientific inquiry.
12.A Know and apply concepts that explain how living things function, adapt and change.
12.B Know and apply concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environment.
31.A Develop a positive self-concept.
Vocabulary:
Adaptation: adjusting or modifying physical being or behavior
Habitat: the area where an animal lives
Habitat: the area where an animal lives
Activity Directions:
- Invite children to sit on the floor in a circle. Ask the children to think of animals that have no hands. Record their responses on chart paper.
- Let’s pretend we are some of these animals. First, we need to sit on our hands to pretend that we do not have any hands.
- Q. How could we pick an apple if we did not have hands? After some sharing of ideas, invite one or more children to role play their idea.
- Q. How could we dig a hole if we did not have hands? After some sharing of ideas, invite one or more children to role play their idea.
- Continue this activity with other challenges and role plays – How would you wave to a friend? Get a drink? Scratch your noise? Wash your neck? Etc.
- Lead a discussion on how might other animals with no hands get food, climb a tree, dig a hole, etc.
Investigative Questions:
Q. How would you define “adaptation”?
Q. Are there ways that you have had to adapt? (swimming, using tools to build things)
Q. Why do you think animals adapt to their habitat?
Q. What do our responses tell us about animals without hands?
Exhibit:
Workshop:
