Animals the World Over

Social Studies/Science/Art

Children will draw pictures of animals in their natural habitats to be attached to a map of the world.

Bring in a map of the world or prepare a simple outline world map on a large piece of paper. Color it or ask a volunteer to do so later. Post it in a place for children to see easily.
Elicit from children that this is a map of the world. Remind them that many of the animals they know come from places around the world. Brainstorm with children a list of animals and the countries or continents they come from.
Invite children to add to the map by drawing pictures that show animals from different parts of the world, in their natural habitats. Refer to the list and ask, for example, what habitat they might choose for a penguin in Antarctica.
Children can work in teams by geographic place (Australian animals; animals from China; ocean animals) or work alone to complete their pictures. As a challenge, invite children to find out about unusual animals in books or on Web sites.
Post children's drawings around the map, taping a "leader line" of yarn from their picture to the place on the map where their animal lives. Invite children to talk about the animal they have chosen and the place/habitat it lives in.