Building Winter Dens

Lesson plan developed by Ms. Erika Geelhoed, BA Ed

Activity:

Age Group:

School-Age

* Lesson plan objectives and assessments can be adapted to use this activity with preschooler.

Objectives:

Building Winter Dens

Washington Common Core Standard

EALR 3

Washington State K-12 Science Learning Standard:
EALR 3: Application
Big Idea: Application (APP)
Core Content: Solving Problems

2-3 APPA Simple problems can be solved through a technological design process that includes: defining the problem, gathering information, exploring ideas, making a plan, testing possible solutions to see which is best, and communicating the results.

Materials:

Procedure:

After learning about various arctic animals, encourage students to create a den using the toothpicks and marshmallows.
As they are creating, ask them questions to get them thinking about their work. Here are some examples:
1. Why do you think an animal would choose your den?
2. How would it keep them safe?
3. Did you stick to your draft or make changes as you went? Why?

Assessment:

Observe and record conversations students have about their findings. Were their drawings and information similar or were their differences? If there were any differences (size, shape, amount of time it took for crystal to form, etc.), have a discussion about it with students.

Click on the photos to enlarge.