life science

10 Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts and How to Make A Fun Iguana

August 10, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

There are more than 100 different Amazon Rainforest lizards. Too, you’ll love my Rain Forest – Animals of the Amazon page.

Today we are focusing on 10 of the more well-known ones.

There are fierce hunters, those with beautiful changing skin, swimmers, stalkers, night creepers, and fascinating.

10 Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts and How to Make A Fun Iguana

One thing you know about the Amazon rainforest is that it is going to have the most beautiful and amazing creatures in its lush greenery.

We are doing a super fun craft as well, taking a few discarded items and turning them into a cute replica of the beautiful and fascinating green iguana found in the Amazon Rainforest.

I highly suggest taking a field trip to a larger pet store and seeing just how many of the Amazon lizards below you can spot.

5 Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts

Green Iguana – Iguana can grow as large as 6 feet long and weigh almost 18 pounds, with an average of around 9-12 pounds. They are the largest of all the lizards in the Amazon. They can be brownish, orange, gray, lighter or dark green, or even black.
Amazon Bark Anole – Ambush predators that feed on insects found on the trunks and large limbs of large trees like ants, wasps, beetles, and roaches. Their skin closely resembles the markings of tree bark and can change color on top to help blend in more, this is their main defense mechanism.
Crocodile Tegu- A semi aquatic lizard that has a flattened, paddle-like tail and is found in the Amazon Basin. This lizard feeds on arthropods, amphibians, reptiles, and fish.
Bridled Forest Gecko- Scurry around the base of trees and in the tree litter. They can be diurnal if they have artificial lighting at night.
Collared Tree Runner- AKA Plica umbra, AKA Jewel of the Amazon is a beautiful species of lizard that looks very chameleon-like, with its array of green, tan, and brown scales. Males have a bright yellow throat, and they are found on branches and tree trunks.

5 More Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts

Basilisk Lizard-These amazing Amazon dwellers can run at speeds of up to 15 mph and can run on the surface of the water without sinking.
Chameleons- These famous reptiles are known for their ability to change their skin color. They have prehensile tails and feet that split at nearly a 180-degree angle which allows them to have a superior grip on the branches where they live.
Caiman Lizard- Can grow to2 to 4 feet and up to 10 pounds. They are a semiaquatic species and spend part of their time in the water, an interesting adaptation is a third, clear eyelid that acts like a goggle when submerged.
Banded Tree Anole- These lizards are found at the tops of the tallest Amazon trees and are strictly arboreal and have excellent skin camouflage.
Turnip Tailed Gecko- At not quite 5 inches these lizards are one of only 2 nocturnal lizards. It has flaps of skin that act as a parachute when they jump from trees.

Then, look at some of these resources for a fun study about lizards.

Amazon Rainforest Lizards Resources

Grab a reference book like Lizards of the World to find out more about Amazon Rainforest Lizards and others.

Lizards of the World: A Guide to Every Family (A Guide to Every Family, 1)

A lavishly illustrated overview of the world’s lizards. Lizards are one of nature’s great success stories: survivors from the time of the dinosaurs, they have taken advantage of almost every habitat on earth, from tropical rainforest to Arctic tundra and even our homes. From chameleons and skinks to geckos and iguanas, there are close to 7,000 species of lizards around the world. This expert guide explores their extraordinary diversity and adaptations.Lizards of the World features an in-depth introduction covering the evolution, anatomy, and lifestyle of lizards, followed by profiles of species from every family, accompanied by stunning color photographs. This invaluable guide highlights the enormous range of habitats, appearance, and activity among lizards. Many thrive in extreme conditions, and have adapted to keep cool, warm, or hydrated. Some can protect themselves by changing color to blend in with their surroundings, while others have fringed toes enabling them to run across sand, or can parachute out of a predator’s reach. Covering diet and reproduction as well as defense strategies and conservation, Lizards of the World showcases the unique natural history and beauty of these remarkable creatures.

Iguana M Reptile Collection

Check out this gorgeous Iguana statue for the garden.

Plastic Lizard Toys

MULTIPLE SHAPES: These wild reptile lizard toys come in 12 styles and colors and measure 3.1-5.2 inches.

GET TO KNOW NATURE: Each toy lizard toy has a detailed texture and unique pattern, the lifelike shape can well let children feel the magic and beauty of nature.

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

Nature Anatomy and Wildlife Anatomy are wonderful resources for many nature topics, I did find lovely illustrations with chameleons and anoles included as well as a bit on the rainforest itself.

Amazon Rainforest Animal Activities

Also, look at more Amazon Rainforest animal activities.

Finally, look at this fun Amazon Rainforest lizards iguana craft.

How to Make an Iguana Lizard Craft

We are making an iguana with some beautiful orange and green coloring, but you can opt for any of the iguana colors that you wish for your craft.

You will need:

One paper towel roll.
Two toilet paper rolls.
Orange craft foam
Green paint
Paintbrush
Scissors
2 craft sticks

Cut up the center of one end of the paper towel roll about five or 6 inches and wrap it around itself to create a tapered end. Use hot glue to secure the taper in place.

Hot glue the tail by inserting the intact end of your paper towel roll inside the first toilet paper roll. Repeat, adding the second toilet paper roll.

Squeeze together the end of the toilet paper roll and glue it to create a mouth.

Cut two popsicle sticks into three equal pieces. Hot glue, the rounded ends onto the sides of your iguana for legs.

Paint the entire thing green and set it aside to dry.

While you’re waiting for your paint to dry, cut an orange fringe the length of the paper towel roll (dorsal crests) out of orange craft foam, four orange feet, and the dewlap hanging under its neck.

Once the paint has dried you can hot glue the fringe on the back.

Glue the dewlap under the neck portion into place.

Add the orange feet that you cut onto the bottom of the green craft stick legs and glue.

Use a black marker or paint to add more details like eyes, nostrils, stripes, etc.

You can take your iguana on adventures outdoors or display him in the house as you learn about Amazon Rainforest lizards.

10 Gross Scat Facts and How to Make Edible Scat

August 9, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 10 gross scat facts and how to make edible scat. Too, you’ll like Daniel Boone Explorer Black Bear Unit Study and Fun Edible Bear Poop.

It may be kinda gross, but I can guarantee your kids are going to remember this lesson for years to come.

This fun hands-on activity is perfect for a forest unit or survival study.

10 Gross Scat Facts and How to Make Edible Scat

Too, if you are studying a specific animal like a moose or a particular region like the Northwoods, add this activity.

The Northwoods are a boreal forest and comprise about half of Canada and many parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

What is scat? Scat is just the “fancy” scientific way of saying wild animal droppings.

10 Unbelievably Gross Scat Facts

Some animals, like birds and some monkeys, actually dig through poop looking for insects to eat- gross!
Turkey vultures poop on their own feet after scavenging on dead animals. While it may sound pretty disgusting it has an important purpose, they are filled with good bacteria that help kill bad bacteria they might have picked up.
There are 2 caterpillars that disguise themselves as poop to avoid being eaten – the viceroy and the white admiral.
Due to the shape of their ridge intestines and their high-fiber diet wombat poop comes out very dense and perfectly square. They can leave behind 80-100 square pellets every single day.
There is a very expensive coffee, called kopi luwak, that is made from beans that are collected from a palm civet’s poop. You won’t find that in my pantry.
Sloths climb down from the trees just once a week to poop. It can be a pretty big poop, equaling up to about ⅕ of their body weight.
Caterpillars can shoot their poop far, up to 40 times the length of their bodies.
A lot of animal poop is used to make great fertilizer for gardens-cows, chickens, llamas, goats, and rabbits.
Owls poop but they also get rid of their waste by regurgitating pellets. These pellets contain hair, bones, and the remains of insects.
Pandas can poop up to 50 pounds of waste per day.

I based this idea off Who Pooped in the Northwoods (Scats and Tracks for Kids), a simple fun book that gives kids a peek into the animals of the Northwoods by teaching them to look for animal signs like tracks and scat of course.

It encourages kids to make observations like noticing the direction of hoofprints and what is in the poop, is it an omnivore or carnivore? Can you tell from its’s scat?

Books About Scat and Tracks

Next, look at some of these resources to add to your unit study.

Books about Animal Scat, Poop, and Tracks

Add some of these fun resources to your unit study about animals.

Who Pooped in the Northwoods? - Scat and Tracks for Kids

Watch where you step! Sometimes the animals in the Northwoods are hard to find but you can almost always find their poop! Come along with Michael, Emily, and their family as they find poop (scat) and footprints (tracks) and discover which animal made them! An ideal tool for teaching young children about animal behavior, diet, and scat and tracks identification the perfect companion for in the car or in the field on your next trip to the Northwoods. Fun illustrations of the animals and their scat and tracks supplement the charming story, and a quick-reference chart at the back makes field identification a breeze!

Whose Poop Is That? (Whose Is THAT?)

Poop! Ewwww!No, don’t say “Ewwww.” Ask, “Whose poop is that?” This simple, and yes, charming book asks this question about seven examples of animal poop. By investigating visual clues, young readers can learn to identify the animal through its droppings. For instance, find a sample of poop with bits of bone and tufts of hair. Turn the page to learn it came from a fox!

Ecosystem - A Family Card Game about Animals, their Habitats, and Biodiversity

ECOLOGY BOARD GAME - Learn about ecology from a science game! Players build ecosystems of wild animals such as bears, foxes, and rabbits, in environments such as streams, forests, and meadows and are rewarded for sustainability and diversity! Our 2-6 player games will go great on a board game table in a classroom to teach students about the beauty of biological variety.

40 PCS Woodland Animals Figures Model Trees

3 x deer, 1 x bear, 1 x squirrel, 6 x model cyan pine trees, 9 x model birches, 5 x model poplars, 2 x model white poplars, 3 x flower trees, 10 x aloe leaves.
【Material】These model trees and flowers are made of plastic material, well workmanship, flexible and durable for using. Not suitable for children under 6 years old, please use them under the guidance of adults to prevent children accidental ingestion.

Tracks, Scats and Signs (Take Along Guides)

Become a nature detective with this illustrative, engaging and fun Take-Along-Guide. You may not know where to look, or what to look for, but animal signs are everywhere and this guide will help you learn how to read them. You'll learn how to spot and identify common clues that 17 wildlife species leave behind in the woods, in the fields and along ponds.

Big Tracks, Little Tracks: Following Animal Prints (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science)

Read and find out about how to track animals by finding footprints and other clues in this colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book.

Does a cat use her claws when she walks? How does a rabbit run? What does a skunk smell like? Find out the answers in Big Tracks, Little Tracks, a perfect first book for children with a budding interest in animals and nature.

This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. It includes a find out more page with lots of hands-on activities.

Animal Scat and Tracks Resources

Also, look at some of these resources to add to your forest or animal unit study.

Finally, look how to make this fun edible scat recipe.

Edible Scat Recipe

You can use any kind of cereal that you like, whatever you have on hand, even quick-cooked oats.

If you can find a multipack of the mini boxes at the grocery store your kids will have even more fun getting creative.

You will need:

2 ½ cups dry cereal
2 cups marshmallows
1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
2 Tablespoons butter

Scavenge the kitchen or the shelves at your grocery store to find “add-ins” to your poop to help differentiate the different animals you wish to make.

Think of different shapes of cereal, raisins, nuts, and candies.

Melt marshmallows and butter in a large microwave-safe dish by heating them in 30-second increments and stirring between each rotation until completely melted.

Immediately stir in the dry cereal and cocoa powder until completely mixed.

How to Make Edible Poop

Separate into as many kinds of edible scat you want to make.

Add in any “special” ingredients and form the shapes.

Spray or butter your hands to keep it from sticking.

Rabbit poop is small little round pellets. Make it before you add anything else, rolling it into tiny balls.

White Tail Deer poop is kind of like rabbit poop that you may be more familiar with, little pellets but larger and they more closely resemble the shape of jellybeans.

Black Bear poop looks similar to what your dog might leave in the backyard but bigger and it might contain berries, seeds, twigs, or hair depending on its recent diet. You can add in oats, unbroken cereal, pretzels, etc.

Wolf Poop usually contains hair/fur and is long and tapered off. To recreate fur use coconut flakes.

Beaver poop is not frequently seen as it is usually dropped into the water and even in their lodges.

But it is full of wood chips and sawdust if you were to spot it. To look like wood chips you can add larger flakes of cereal and crumbs when forming it.

Set it on waxed paper and allow it to firm up.

Label your scat and if you have them, let your child match up coordinating plastic animals or the correct printed photo with each one they make.

How to Make an Easy 3D Tundra Biome Poster Project

August 7, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Creating a 3d tundra biome poster project is a fun challenge if your studying biomes. Too, you’ll love my Arctic and Inuit Unit Study. Free Lapbook – Hands-on Ideas and my Arctic Region pages.

Also, it’s a great hands-on project.

This project is part art and part science.

Too, it is a great creative writing challenge and teaches your kids about advertising as well.

How to Make an Easy 3D Tundra Biome Poster Project

It is much more exciting to research the tundra biome to create a travel poster to entice visitors to come and see what it offers through images and inviting words than just fill in a worksheet.

You can use printed photos of animals found in the tundra or to make it a truly 3D poster and attach small animals throughout the scene.

Also, because we are advertising the tundra as a whole, we do have some animals from both of the different types of tundra mixed into the scene.

Facts About The Tundra Biome

Tundra comes from the Finnish word tunturi, which means- treeless plain.
The tundra covers about one fifth of the land on earth.
The tundra is the coldest of the biomes, the average temperature there is around -18 degrees F.
It is also about as dry as a desert, getting only around 10 inches of precipitation a year, and most of this is snow.
There are 2 different types of tundra biomes:
Alpine tundra, the area of land high in the mountains above the treeline.
Arctic tundra – Far north in the northern hemisphere along the Arctic Circle.
Polar bears come to the tundra in the summer, this is where they have their babies.
Most of the vegetation that grows in this inhospitable area is sedge, moss, lichen, dwarf shrub, and grass.
The growing season in the tundra is very short, it usually lasts just 6 to 10 weeks.

Then look at some of the animals in the tundra.

Animals of the Tundra

The type of animals and vegetation you find will depend on if it is Arctic, Alpine, or Antarctic tundra. Here are a few examples of each:

Arctic:

Beluga Whale
Snowy Owl
Snowshoe Hair
Walrus

Alpine:

Mountain Goat
Bighorn Sheep
Canadian Lynx
Elk

Antarctic:

Chinstrap Penguin
Leopard Seal
Arctic Tern
Spectacled Porpoise

Also, add some of these fun books to your reading day.

Books About the Tundra

Look at some of these books, resources, and fun things to add to your study of the tundra.

A Walk in the Tundra (Biomes of North America)

Take a walk on the tundra. In this cold, harsh biome on the top of the world, summer is short. How do plants and animals of the tundra live? Discover how they depend on each other for survival as you travel through this fascinating land.

Mini Arctic 10PCS Polar Animal Figurines Includes Polar Bear Seal Reindeer Wolf Rabbit Arctic Fox Igloo

Included-10 arctic animal toy set including 1 polar bear, 1 reindeer, 1 arctic hare, 1 arctic wolf, 1 walrus, 1 beluga, 1 killer whale, 1 arctic fox, 1 arctic seal , 1 igloo model.

Arctic Tundra

It’s a land of riddles, where a winter night can last for weeks and where the ground is full of water though it rarely rains or snows. Bears, hares, wolves, and foxes roam the ice-crusted earth, as flowers follow the sun as it moves across the sky. Young readers may never come to the Arctic tundra, but now it can come to them―in a book chock full of fun-to-do experiments and activities for children ages 6 and up that help them to solve some of the mysteries of this strange and forbidding world. Arctic Tundra includes a picture field guide, a glossary-index, and a resource list.

How to Make a 3D Tundra Biome Poster Project

You will need:

Trifold science board or foam board
Plastic Tundra Animals or printouts
Tacky glue or Hot Glue
Cotton balls, white tissue paper, cotton fill
Craft paint/paint brushes

First, water down a light blue craft paint and paint a very light coat over all or most of your board.

Leave a little room at the top for your information. You don’t want to saturate it too much because it is cardboard and will warp if soaked.

Allow it to dry.

Tear cotton balls into smaller wisps.

“Paint” your ground area and any hills or mountains with a thick coat of tacky glue.

Press torn cotton balls into it for snow.

Add some clouds if you like. Allow glue to dry.

Paint some ocean in your scenery to add aquatic and semi aquatic animals.

Gather up your animals.

Hot glue them in various places around the scene.

To remove the hot glue once you are done with the project, just pull them off the poster and heat the glue with a blow dryer until it softens a bit and you can pull the excess glue right off.

Use letter stickers to create an interesting and eye-catching title.

Add more details like catchy words or phrases to describe the tundra around the board.

Have your child write or type up a paragraph to play up the positives of the tundra, just like a travel agency would hype up the location they are advertising. You might also have them research and list some locations that the tundra biome is located.

Print, cut, and attach your “advertising”.

How to Make Wooden Peg Easy Arctic Animal Crafts

August 6, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have some fun ideas for easy Arctic animal crafts. Too, you’ll love my Arctic and Inuit Unit Study. Free Lapbook – Hands-On Ideas and my Arctic Region pages.

If you are studying the Arctic with your little one these peg doll animals are a great craft project to do together.

They can be used in sensory bins, for small-world dramatic play, or as part of a simple diorama and can be kept as simple or as elaborate as you would like.

How to Make Wooden Peg Easy Arctic Animal Crafts

You can make an entire family of polar bears. Or craft a village of all different arctic creatures to round out a nice keepsake collection using the variety of sizes and shapes that unfinished peg dolls come in.

A wonderful resource to add to your study is Ocean Anatomy, besides the gorgeous illustrations it offers a treasure trove of information on icebergs, polar bears, narwhals, seals, and more arctic animals.

Next, look at some facts about animals of the Arctic.

10 Arctic Animal Facts

Snowy owls hunt during the daytime instead of at night like other owls.
Male snowy owls are easy to distinguish from females as they are almost completely white and female snowy owls have black and brown markings.
Polar bears can smell a seal 3 feet below the snow.
An Arctic Fox’s fur is not always white, sometimes during the summer months it can be gray or brown.
Beluga whales start gray or brown when born but eventually turn white as they grow up.
A Narwhal tusk is not a horn, rather it is a large tooth that can grow up to 10 feet long.
Both the male and female walruses have large tusks that are used for things like pulling themselves out of the water onto the ice.
Polar bears are the largest living carnivores on land at about 8 feet long and nearly 800 pounds.
Arctic Hare’s eyes are set on the side of their heads so they can look forward, backward, and sideways without needing to move their head so that they can avoid predators.
Learn why there are not penguins in the Arctic.

As you make your peg dolls together you will find lots of opportunities to talk about topics like camouflage in the white snow, predator vs. prey, and different adaptations like fur-covered feet to help them survive the extreme cold.

Use some of the facts from above as conversation starters as you work on each animal.

More Easy Arctic Animal Crafts

How to Paint Peg Dolls to Look Like Farm Animals is perfect if you are learning about the farm theme and would make a great handmade gift.
Julie of the Wolves Free Hands-on Arctic Unit Study
DIY Peg Doll Woodland Animals, find out how to make adorable woodland creatures like a fox and raccoon as well as their babies.
Inuit of the Arctic: How Animals Survive Harsh Winters Fun Blubber Activity
Free Arctic Ground Squirrel Lapbook & Unit Study Resources

Also, look at these books about the Arctic.

12 Arctic Books about People & Animals of the Arctic

Studying about the region of the Arctic is a fascinating topic. Grab some of these books about life in the Arctic and animals of the Arctic.

The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter's Wonder

How do snow crystals form? What shapes can they take? Are no two snow crystals alike? These questions and more are answered inside this exploration of the science of snow, featuring photos of real snow crystals in all their beautiful diversity. Perfect for reading on winter days, this book by a nature photographer and a snow scientist will inspire wonder and curiosity about the marvels of snow. Snowflake-catching instructions are also included for aspiring young snow scientists!

In Arctic Waters

This arctic adaptation of “This is the House that Jack Built” follows polar bears, walruses, seals, narwhals and beluga whales as they chase each other around “the ice that floats in the Arctic waters.” Not only is the rhythmic, cumulative prose good for early readers; it is a pure delight to read aloud. The “For Creative Minds” section helps children learn how these animals live in the cold, icy arctic region.

Arctic Fox: Fascinating Animal Facts for Kids (This Incredible Planet)

Fascinating Animal Facts Arctic Fox Learn all about the amazing and adaptable Arctic fox. This small yet hardy creature survives in the harshest of environments!

This Incredible Planet series provides young readers with interesting information about the Earth’s most fascinating creatures.

Beautiful color photography makes each animal come to life. Learn about the Arctic fox’s habitat, diet, breeding, lifespan, behavior, threats, and so much more!

Over and Under the Snow

A wonderful winter book for kids from the author and illustrator of the beloved Over and Under series, now in paperback! Part of the acclaimed nature book series that includes Over and Under the Pond, Over and Under the Rainforest, and Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, this volume takes readers on a cross country ski trip through the winter woods to discover the secret world of animals living under the snow.

Animals in Winter (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science)

Read and find out about how animals cope with winter in this colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book.

This is a clear and appealing book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. Introduce kids to basic science ideas as part of discussions about the seasons and animals.

Have you ever seen a butterfly in the snow? Probably not. Butterflies can't survive cold weather, so when winter comes, many butterflies fly to warmer places. They migrate. Woodchucks don't like cold weather either, but they don't migrate; they hibernate. Woodchucks sleep in their dens all winter long. How do these and other animals handle the cold and snow of winter?

Read and find out in the proven winner Animals in Winter!

This is a Level 1 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores introductory concepts perfect for children in the primary grades.

The Inuit Thought of It: Amazing Arctic Innovations (We Thought of It)

Today’s Arctic communities have all the comforts of modern living. Yet the Inuit survived in this harsh landscape for hundreds of years with nothing but the land and their own ingenuity. Join authors Alootook Ipellie and David MacDonald as they explore the amazing innovations of traditional Inuit and how their ideas continue to echo around the world. Some inventions are still familiar to us: the one-person watercraft known as a kayak still retains its Inuit name. Other innovations have been replaced by modern technology: slitted snow goggles protected Inuit eyes long before sunglasses arrived on the scene. Andother ideas were surprisingly inspired: using human-shaped stone stacks (Inunnguat) to trick and trap caribou. Many more Inuit innovations are explored here, including: • Dog sleds • Shelter • Clothing • Kids’ stuff • Food preservation • Medicine. In all, more than 40 Inuit items and ideas are showcased through dramatic photos and captivating language. From how these objects were made, to their impact on contemporary culture, The Inuit Thought of It is a remarkable catalogue of Inuit invention.

Mini Arctic Animals Figurines Set, Polar Animals Toy for Kids Plastic Arctic Reindeer,Walrus,White Whale,Polar Bear,Arctic Fox,Wolf Figures,

Tiny Animals Figures Party: 18 PCS Package include orca, walrus, white owl, reindeer, husky, 2pcs seal, 2pcs beluga whale, 2pcs arctic wolf, 2pcs arctic fox, 2pcs arctic rabbit, 2pcs polar bear figurines and igloo model.

Who are the Eskimos? Arctic People's Traditional Way of Life

Who Are The Eskimos is perfect for early to middle elementary students and makes a great addition to your library.

North: The Amazing Story of Arctic Migration

“A treat for middle-graders of an ecological bent.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) At the top of our world is a huge wild place called the Arctic. In the winter, it is a cold and barren land, where few animals can survive. But when spring comes, it attracts animals from every corner of the earth. This lushly illustrated picture book celebrates the resilient wildlife and barren, beautiful landscapes of the Arctic Circle, tracing the awe-inspiring spring migration of millions of creatures to the Arctic and reminding the reader of the hardships and harmony of life in the wild.Back matter includes additional information about the arctic, a glossary, and an index.

Arctic White

When you live in the Arctic in winter, everything is a shade of white. A young girl looks around her home in the Arctic and sees only white, white, white...but one day her grandfather takes her on a journey through the tundra. And at the end of their cold walk across the ice, they find something special that brings color into their world.

Farthest North: The Incredible Three-Year Voyage to the Frozen Latitudes of the North (Modern Library Exploration)

In 1893, Fridjtof Nansen set sail in the Fram, a ship specially designed and built to be frozen into the polar ice cap, withstand its crushing pressures, and travel with the sea’s drift closer to the North Pole than anyone had ever gone before. Experts said such a ship couldn't be built and that the voyage was tantamount to suicide. This brilliant first-person account, originally published in 1897, marks the beginning of the modern age of exploration. Nansen vividly describes the dangerous voyage and his 15-month-long dash to the North Pole by sledge. Farthest North is an unforgettable tale and a must-read for any armchair explorer.

This Place Is Cold: An Imagine Living Here book

Can you imaging living in a place where it's so cold your breath turns instantly into tiny ice crystals that glitter in the sun? Where temperatures can drop fifty degrees below zero and even lower and the sun only comes out for a few hours per day? In This Place Is Cold readers will learn how people and animals survive in Alaska's ferocious cold, and how because of global warming this region is now in trouble. Vicki Cobb and Barbara Lavallee travelled the world together to research this groundbreaking geography series, that is now updated and redesigned to appeal to today's readers.

More Arctic Region Unit Study Ideas

Finally, look how to make these adorable easy Arctic animal crafts.

How to Make Peg Doll Animals of the Arctic

You will need:

Peg dolls
Craft paint
Paint pens
Small wood beads
Air dry clay
Hot glue gun/sticks
Paint brushes

First, I like to add my details to the peg dolls using beads or air-dry clay.

Small wooden beads make the work go quicker as hot glue dries fast but I like the detail and shape that I can get with air dry clay.

For ears, muzzles, and wings you want to pinch off a small bit of clay and press it into the wood. Heavier pieces like ears or muzzles you want to glue in place.

I made a polar bear using beads and one with clay for ears so you can see the difference and choose for yourself.

For the snowy owl, we just smoothed some clay over the sides for wings.

To make a narwhal roll out a little piece of clay into the horn shape and twist gently, hot glue to the top of the peg doll head.

Allow it to dry for 24 hours.

Animals of the Arctic Craft Ideas

Then paint all your peg dolls white, including any clay you added.

Even though some of our animals aren’t white or at least not all white it gives you a good prep base to work from and it will be the majority of your animal’s fur color.

Now, here is where those paint pens will come in handy.

You can do the details with a tiny brush dipped in paint, but it is so much easier to get crisp lines and details with a fine-tipped paint brush.

Use the paintbrush to draw on some basic details like eyes, noses, and outlines.

Allow to dry, these dry quickly faster than a coat of brushed-on paint.

Now layer on more detailing like whiskers, spots, etc. to make your creatures a little more realistic.

If you want to give them a little bit more life and durability you can either seal them with a clear coat or give them a mod podge seal coat or two.

Add some fake snow or even cotton batting to your animals to spark your child’s imagination.

Learn About Indigenous Animal Geography Fun Activity for Preschool to Elementary

August 2, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a fun animal geography hands-on activity for your younger kids. Also, you’ll love First Grade Homeschool Curriculum for History and Geography.

One of the first things we intentionally teach our children is the names and sounds of animals.

I have an animal geography activity for you that builds on those basic skills to teach preschoolers through upper elementary students all about animals and where they come from.

Learning where animals are indigenous to throughout the 7 continents is a fun activity that can be covered over a long period of time or just touched on.

Learn About Indigenous Animal Geography Fun Activity for Preschool to Elementary

This activity lets your child play while they learn. It is a great way to introduce them to geography, zoology, research skills, biomes, and more all at once.

This will bring up some great discussions.

For example, discuss animals which are found in more than one place, such as elephants and tigers, and what their differences are.

You can talk about animals being indigenous or introduced to different places by early explorers.

What seems like such a simple learning experience can turn into a delightful rabbit trail to enjoy with your child. I have a few facts and a list of some common animals for each continent to get you started.

Animal Geography Books

First, look at some of our favorite books about animals which help to serve as a guide.

7 Animal Geography Resources

We refer to Wildlife Anatomy quite a bit for zoology, it is worth adding to your collection.

Wildlife Anatomy: The Curious Lives & Features of Wild Animals around the World

Bestselling author/illustrator Julia Rothman shares a delightfully illustrated guide to all the beasts of the wild, from lions, tigers, and bears to musk oxen, monkeys, elephants, giraffes, foxes, badgers, bats, crocodiles, owls, flying squirrels and much, much more.

Waypoint Geographic World ScrunchMap - Up-to-Date & Easy

Wall Maps: These world wall maps feature bright colors for easy identification of places of interest. This map of the world can be easily folded or "scrunched" Into the included storage pouch. Lasts longer than paper maps.

The Big Book of Beasts (The Big Book Series)

In The Big Book of Beasts, Yuval Zommer’s wonderful illustrations bring to whimsical life some of the grizzliest, hairiest, bravest, wiliest, and most fearsome beasts in the animal kingdom. Brimming with interesting facts from beast consultant Barbara Taylor, this charming picture book is a beautiful way for parents to introduce young children to the animal world―and for older children to learn by themselves.

Photo Credit: www.bfbooks.com

Around the World with Picture Books Part II (Download) - by Read Berg - Beautiful Feet Books

Each country visited features a selection of animals indigenous to those regions. These beautiful drawings will familiarize students with some remarkable creatures, their habitat and habits, cultivating respect and wonder for the natural world. Part Two covers Europe and South America. In Europe we cover France, Spain, Italy, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, and Great Britain! In South America we cover Ecuador, Chile, Peru, and Brazil!

Rand McNally Junior Classroom Atlas of the World

Our colorful, engaging atlas is ideal for students in second through fourth grades and was developed from our award-winning Classroom Atlas, just simplified for younger students. Completely redesigned with a new layout,eye-catching pictures, informative graphics, and fully updated map content. Teaches map and globe skills to younger students. Features photos, graphs, interesting facts, and thought-provoking questions that reinforce map concepts.Includes 15 physical, political, and thematic maps.

A Child's Introduction to the World: Geography, Cultures, and People--From the Grand Canyon to the Great Wall of China (A Child's Introduction Series)

Explore all the fascinating things that make Planet Earth such an exciting place to live with this lively introduction to our world, its geography, culture, and people. Get ready for an incredible journey, one in which you’ll visit far-off places, meet interesting people, and learn all about continents, countries, climates, and more. This book is also full of fun facts about animals, sports, foods, inventions, and holidays from all over the world.

Animal Atlas

Lift the flaps in this quirky 3D atlas as illustrator Ingela P. Arrhenius takes the youngest of readers around the globe, introducing an enchanting selection of animals. Did you know that flamingos hide their heads while they sleep? That a Galápagos tortoise can live for a hundred years? That baboons have pink bottoms? Or that a peacock’s tail is used to impress potential mates? With interactive flaps and a central pop on each colorful spread, this is a stand-up gift for small children who love animals of all stripes.

Now, look at some of these lists of animals from each continent.

Africa – Animals from the continent of Africa

The world’s second-largest continent, Africa, has a wide range of habitats from tropical rainforest to the desert.

Here you will find a wide variety of well-known animals, as a matter of fact, Africa is home to the most varied wildlife and the most species in the world.

Lion
Leopard
Elephant
Rhinoceros
Zebra
Hippopotamus
Ostriches
Giraffe
Pangolin
Black Mamba

MORE AFRICAN GEOGRAPHY ACTIVITIES

How to Make An Embroidered African Map Fun Geography Craft

Next, look at these animals from Antarctica.

Antarctica – Animals from the continent of Antarctica

Antarctica is a large frozen continent that is located in the far south of the world in the Southern Ocean. Covered by a thick layer of ice, it is nearly uninhabitable except by a few species that make their home here.

Emperor Penguins
Orca
Wandering Albatross
Leopard Seal
Gentoo Penguin
Antarctic Krill
Tardigrade
Blue Whale
Spectacled Porpoise
Southern Elephant Seal

Asia – Animals from the continent of Asia

Asia is the world’s most populated and is the biggest continent in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres.

It is also the place with the world’s longest coastline and the highest and lowest points on the Earth’s surface.

With a mostly dry climate, it does have extreme weather like monsoons. It encompasses China, Korea, Japan, Siberia, India, and parts of the middle east. The habitats here range from deserts, mountains, forests, and tropical jungles to urban areas.

Asian Elephant
Asiatic Lion
Tiger
Giant Panda
Snow Leopard
Proboscis Monkey
Indian Cobra
Malayan Tapir
Indian Peafowl
Orangutan

Australia – Animals from the continent of Australia

Australia is a country and a continent, and it holds the title of the continent with the most diverse marine life and the highest number of fish species.

It is also the world’s smallest of the continents. Australia not only has a lot of endemic animal species – species that can only be found in Australia (4 out of 5 animals) but it is also the home of two monotremes, which are mammals that lay eggs- the echidna and the platypus.

Finally, they have about 140 species of marsupials.

Kangaroo
Tasmanian Devil
Kookaburra
Dingo
Platypus
Koala
Wallaby
Frill Neck Lizard
Sugar Glider
Echidna

Europe – Animals from the continent of Europe

Europe is home to a wide range of habitats like the Taiga Forest, tundra, broadleaf forest, steppe, the Alps, Pyrenees, the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, and the Mediterranean Sea which means there are a wide diversity of animals.

Many animals in Europe have been brought from other parts of the world, but several species are native to the continent, the first 5 listed below are native.

European Bison
Eurasian Lynx
Polar Bear
Moose
Wolf
Alpine Ibex
Golden Eagle
Old World Swallowtail
Red Squirrel
Wild Boar
Chamois

North America – Animals from the continent of North America

Made up of Mexico, the United States, and Canada this is the third largest continent in the world and is surrounded by the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

Pretty much every ecosystem on Earth can be found here- from snowy tundra to the tropics.

The United States has the most biodiversity in North America, Canada has snowier tundra and animals like the polar bear, while Mexico is made up of lush rainforests to arid deserts.

American Bison
Monarch Butterfly
Bobcat
Polar Bear
Bighorn Sheep
Chipmunk
Coyote
North American Porcupine
American Alligator
Kit Fox

South America – Animals from the continent of South America

Finally, exotic South America with some of the world’s most dangerous and some of the most unique.

It has 4 major climatic regions- tropical, temperate, arid, and cold. You will find most animals in South America can be found either in the Amazon Rainforest or in the Andes mountains.

Unfortunately, more than 30% of species on the content are now endangered or nearly extinct.

Llama
Anaconda
Blue Morpho Butterfly
Anteater
Capybara
Giant Otter
Harpy Eagle
Jaguar
Red-Eyed Tree Frog
Sloth

Moreover, look at some of these other fun animal and geography activities.

Finally, look at this fun interactive way to learn about geography and animals.

Animal Geography Activity

You can do as much or as little of this activity to get your child started as you like.

The younger child will obviously need more help while a more advanced child can do everything from cutting out the maps of each continent to tracing and labeling.

You will need:

Roll of paper
Printed outlines of the 7 continents
Masking tape
Permanent marker
Plastic animals

You could also print pictures of various animals and use them to be sure you have enough for each continent instead of using small plastic animals, or better yet a combination of both.

First, find a basic outline for the seven continents on Google or trace them out of your favorite Atlas.

Next, roll out a large piece of paper from a roll. It can be the solid back of wrapping paper, bulletin board paper, or the brown kraft paper used for shipping. Tape it to the floor or table using masking tape or painter’s tape.

Then cut out the seven continent outlines you printed and arrange them on the rolled-out paper using an atlas or a master printout as a guide.

Use a marker to trace around each of the continents.

Remove your templates and write the name of each continent in the center.

Give your child some books for reference, atlases and of course zoology books, and a basket of a good variety of animals from around the world.

Help them find where each animal belongs. If you have the space, you can add to it each day or week as you learn about each continent and its wonderful animals.

For an older child it would be a great assignment for them to find “x” number of animals for each continent.

life science

5 Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts

5 More Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts

Amazon Rainforest Animal Activities

How to Make an Iguana Lizard Craft

10 Unbelievably Gross Scat Facts

Books About Scat and Tracks

Animal Scat and Tracks Resources

Edible Scat Recipe

How to Make Edible Poop

Facts About The Tundra Biome

Animals of the Tundra

More Ideas for a Tundra Biome Poster Project

How to Make a 3D Tundra Biome Poster Project

10 Arctic Animal Facts

More Easy Arctic Animal Crafts

More Arctic Region Unit Study Ideas

How to Make Peg Doll Animals of the Arctic

Animals of the Arctic Craft Ideas

Animal Geography Books

Africa – Animals from the continent of Africa

MORE AFRICAN GEOGRAPHY ACTIVITIES

Antarctica – Animals from the continent of Antarctica

Asia – Animals from the continent of Asia

Australia – Animals from the continent of Australia

Europe – Animals from the continent of Europe

North America – Animals from the continent of North America

South America – Animals from the continent of South America

Animal Geography Activity

Footer

Categories

Archives