Minibeast Magic 2
1. Discussion and planning
Start by discussing why minibeasts are important as nature’s recyclers. Ask the children if your school needs minibeasts. If they enjoyed Minibeast Magic 1, they’ll likely agree! Guide the talk towards how we can attract minibeasts by creating the right habitat.
Important! Gently explain why bringing them to school is not a good idea (they may not survive the move, won’t find the right shelter, or it’s unfair to take them away from their natural home).
2. Discovering what minibeasts need
Think back to your first schoolyard tour. What kind of places did minibeasts like? Together, make a list of what’s needed to build a good habitat. Do this outdoors if possible and pick the right spot as a group. Relate it to the idea of “home”: just as children like certain things at home, so do minibeasts!
3. Comparing with MiniHome ideas
Back in class, look at the "Minibeast MiniHomes" suggestions in the Downloadable Material. Compare your list with the examples. Did you miss anything? Discuss where to get the materials in a way that doesn’t harm other habitats.
4. Building the MiniHomes
Now it’s time to create! Gather natural materials (twigs, logs, stones, leaves, pinecones, etc.) from the school grounds or from home. Work as a team to design and set up the MiniHomes in a safe, designated spot.
5. Watching and Wondering
Return to the MiniHomes regularly to see what happens. Which minibeasts move in? What changes can you observe? Keep a record together and celebrate any new visitors. Don’t forget to encourage the children to tell others about their project.
Resources & Equipment Needed
- Notebook and pen/pencil;
- Bug hotel materials, such as:
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- Sticks of cane/reed;
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- Logs;
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- Twigs;
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- Stones;
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- Bricks;
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- Pinecones;
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- Pots;
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- Pallets;
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- String.
- Woody home:
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- Logs;
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- Twigs.
- Stony home:
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- Stones;
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- Rubble.
You can download these instructions in PDF by clicking here: Generate PDF
Downloadable Material
Activity Sheet_Minibeast magic 2
PDF Document
Minibeast minihomes
PDF Document
Make sure to take photos of:
1. Children choosing the site for the homes2. Children building MiniHomes
3. The completed MiniHomes.
Learning Outcomes & Curriculum Integration
Subjects
- - Social studies
- - MAths
Learning Outcomes
Subjects
- Social studies
- Maths
Learning Outcomes
2.2.2. Specific elements in the country, surroundings
Integration with Curriculum
Integration with Curriculum
Project: Building a Minibeast Hotel - Play and Construction Activities
Objective: Understand why creating habitats is important.
Step 2: Design and Materials Collection
Objective: Plan and gather materials.
Explore properties of different materials e.g. texture, flexibility, elasticity, hardness, waterproof, strength, transparency etc. through simple experimentation.
Engage in building activities and use knowledge on different materials during such activities.
Step 3: Construction - LENGTH, PERIMETER AND AREA
Objective: Build the habitat.
G.2.3 Suggest suitable standard or uniform non-standard units and measuring units to estimate.
G.2.4 Measure the length or height of an object using non-standard units.
Step 4: Observation and Recording
Objective: Monitor the habitat.
Step 5: Reflection and Sharing
Objective: Reflect on the learning experience.
Linking to Curriculum Themes
Home and Community: Discuss the concept of home for both humans and animals, drawing parallels between what makes a good home for children and for minibeasts.
Environmental Awareness: Foster a sense of responsibility and care for the environment by showing how small actions can make a big difference.