Habitat Mural

Habitats

35 minutes
Whole class collaborative project
Art

Learning Objective

Show understanding of different Caribbean habitats through collaborative art

Materials Needed

  • Large paper (bulletin board size)
  • Tempera paints
  • Brushes
  • Pictures of local habitats (beach, rainforest, garden)
  • Magazines for collage
  • Glue sticks
  • Markers

Preparation

  1. 1Divide large paper into habitat sections
  2. 2Set up painting stations
  3. 3Gather reference pictures of Caribbean habitats
  4. 4Protect work area with newspaper

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1Show pictures of different Caribbean habitats
  2. 2Assign small groups to different habitat sections
  3. 3Children paint background for their habitat
  4. 4Add animals and plants by drawing, painting, or collage
  5. 5Discuss: 'What lives in this habitat? Why?'
  6. 6Connect all sections to show how habitats are connected

Assessment

  • Does the child include appropriate plants/animals for the habitat?
  • Can the child explain why certain things live in certain places?
  • Does the child work cooperatively on the group project?

Extensions

  • Invite another class to view and ask questions
  • Create individual habitat books
  • Research endangered Caribbean habitats
  • Plan a habitat protection project

Teaching Tips

  • Encourage creativity while maintaining accuracy
  • Help children work together cooperatively
  • Display prominently to celebrate their work
  • Use this as ongoing reference for habitat discussions