In this hands-on problem solving activity, students in grades 3 and 4 special needs classes explored the meaning of the terms carnivore, herbivore, and omnivore. Each student chose an animal from a wide selection, and created the animal with modeling clay.
The modeling techniques of rolling, pulling, squeezing and molding encouraged hand coordination, and the resulting model provided motivation for participation. The question was presented, “What does this animal eat?” After determining the answer, students used toothpicks to create the types of teeth representative of their animals (e.g., sharp, tearing teeth for carnivores and flat, grinding teeth for herbivores.)
An extension of this lesson allows each student to create a habitat for his or her animal. Using Styrofoam trays (recycled from the cafeteria lunch program) students paint a backdrop for their clay models that represents the natural environment in which the animals live. Finally they write stories about their animals.
The modeling techniques of rolling, pulling, squeezing and molding encouraged hand coordination, and the resulting model provided motivation for participation. The question was presented, “What does this animal eat?” After determining the answer, students used toothpicks to create the types of teeth representative of their animals (e.g., sharp, tearing teeth for carnivores and flat, grinding teeth for herbivores.)
An extension of this lesson allows each student to create a habitat for his or her animal. Using Styrofoam trays (recycled from the cafeteria lunch program) students paint a backdrop for their clay models that represents the natural environment in which the animals live. Finally they write stories about their animals.
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