National geographic animal showdown. Ant vs elephant / Lesson Plan

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Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will understand the basic characteristics, habitats, and behaviors of ants and elephants. They will also be able to compare and contrast the two animals and express their thoughts creatively through writing and drawing.

Materials and Prep

  • Paper
  • Pencil or crayons
  • Access to a quiet space for reading and writing
  • Basic knowledge about ants and elephants (e.g., size, habitat, diet)

Activities

  • Animal Research

    The student will spend some time researching ants and elephants. They can write down interesting facts about each animal, such as where they live, what they eat, and any unique behaviors they have.

  • Comparison Chart

    Using the information gathered, the student will create a comparison chart that highlights the differences and similarities between ants and elephants. This can include size, habitat, diet, and social behavior.

  • Creative Drawing

    The student will draw their favorite animal (ant or elephant) and illustrate one interesting fact about it. They can use crayons or colored pencils to make their drawing colorful and fun!

  • Animal Showdown Debate

    The student will participate in a fun debate about which animal would win in a showdown. They can take either side (ant or elephant) and present their arguments based on the facts they have learned.

Talking Points

  • "Did you know that elephants are the largest land animals on Earth? They can weigh as much as 6 tons!"
  • "Ants may be tiny, but they are incredibly strong for their size. Some can lift objects that are 50 times their weight!"
  • "Elephants live in herds and are very social. They take care of each other, just like a big family!"
  • "Ants work together in colonies. They communicate with each other using smells and sounds. Isn't that cool?"
  • "Elephants have long trunks that they use for many things, like drinking water, picking up food, and even greeting each other!"
  • "Some ants can build amazing structures like anthills. They work together to create their homes!"
  • "Elephants have great memories. They can remember places and other elephants even after many years!"
  • "Both ants and elephants play important roles in their ecosystems. Can you think of how they help their environments?"