Big-Teeth Carnivorous Creatures

Stick up for sharp-toothed creatures who get a bad rap! They are just trying to survive like all other animals.

• 1.

  Look closely at Edward Hicks’ "Peaceable Kingdom." Identify which animals are carnivorous and which are herbivorous. What is unusual about Hicks’ portrayal of these animals?

• 2.

  Brainstorm the names of carnivorous animals who have big teeth, such as sharks, lions, and wolves. All organisms need air, water, and food. Find out how the big, sharp-toothed animals grow, survive, move, and behave. Learn even more about your favorite big-teeth creature.

• 3.

  Use your imagination and Crayola Model Magic®, Washable Tempera Paint, and Tempera Mediums to create a model of your creature. Think of your own ideas, or follow these steps to create a shark!

• 4.

  Shape the body. Use hands to smooth and curve Model Magic into a shark. Look at photos to help you make it look realistic.

• 5.

  Pull out the face of your shark to form a beak-like mouth. Snip with scissors to open the mouth. Roll small balls and press on the sides of the head to form eyes. Flatten and cut triangular pieces for fins. Press and flatten the tail. Trim it into shape w

• 6.

  To form your creature’s big, sharp teeth, use scissors and your fingertips to cut and pinch the Model Magic. Press the teeth into your creature’s mouth. If the Model Magic has started to dry, attach pieces with Crayola School Glue. Air-dry the shark for 2

• 7.

  Cover your painting area with newspaper. On a paper plate palette, mix paint colors to resemble the color of your shark. Mix Crayola Pearl It! Tempera Mixing Medium into the paint to give the shark a sheen. Paint the shark. Use just Pearl It! on your anim

• 8.

  Display your creature with those created by your classmates. Share what you’ve learned about your these animals. Compare how they grow. What survival skills do they have in common?

Benefits

• Children research the survival skills of carnivorous animals with large teeth.
• Children build a realistic model of a carnivorous creature.
• Children compare and contrast how their carnivorous creatures grow, survive, move, and behave.

Adaptations

• Visit a local aquarium, zoo, or nature preserve to see carnivorous creatures up close. Learn more about your animal’s survival skills and behaviors.
• Chart information about the creatures selected by the whole class. Indicate where they live (ocean, desert, rainforest) and what they eat. Note their sizes, how fast they move, and other details. How could you help others learn more about these creatures?
• Assessment: Assess learning by creating "What I Know" cards. Before beginning research on animals, invite students to write down what they already know about the creature on index cards. After completing this activity, provide a second set of cards for children to record all of the new information they’ve discovered. Children with writing challenges can record their words verbally, use the computer, or talk with the teacher.