First-grade students build animal habitats

First-grade students in Jennifer Weigert-Burke’s class have been learning about habitats, migration and hibernation. On Friday morning, their STEAM challenge was to build a warm and cozy habitat for their bears. 

They began their assignment by reading The Mitten by Jan Brett, which tells the story of animals that use a lost mitten as shelter but when the owner finds his mitten, the animals are left without a home. Students were tasked with creating a new home for the animals using four pieces of paper, three feet of tape, animal cutouts and scissors. 

Students collaboratively worked in teams to create their habitats and considered what their bears would need to stay warm and protected during the winter. 

Charlie Lonergan started out his project with a sketch of what he wanted his cave to look like.

“The bears are going to hibernate until the spring,” Charlie said. “So, I’m going to add a carpet. I’m also adding a blanket and pillows.”

This project was part of their science and ELA unit and allowed students to think about what they’ve been learning and apply it to their creations. 

“Once they have finished building everything, we’re going to do a little walk through so that they can see each other’s finished products and they’ll get the chance to explain their process,” Ms. Burke said.