Animals

Some animals, like cats and dogs, live with us as pets. Other animals, like moose and bears, live in the wild. Explore the world of animals with this Try-It.

#1. Caring for Pets

Many people have pets at home - dogs, cats, rabbits, parakeets, hamsters, or guinea pigs. Do you have a pet? If you love your pet, there are special ways to treat it. See page 97 of the Brownie Girl Scout Handbook and take the pet pledge. If you have a pet, help to take care of it for a few days. Along with a family member, feed it, brush it, walk it, give it fresh drinking water, or clean its litter box or cage. Don't forget to play with it gently, too! OR
If you don't have a pet, pick an animal you would like to have. What does that animal need in order to stay healthy? Speak with someone who has that type of pet or go to a pet store that sells that type of animal and ask for other suggestions.

Naming Your Pet
Do you have a pet dog or cat? If you do, write its name on the line below the picture. If you don't have these pets, make up a good name for each and write it on the line below each picture.

Which Animals Make Good Pets?
Circle the pictures of animals that would make good pets. Put an "X" through the pictures of animals that wouldn't make a very good pet.

#2. Understanding Animals

Visit a nature center, stat park, or zoo. Find out how to enjoy wildlife in a safe way. Why is it best to watch wildlife from a distance? What are the differences between pets like dogs and cats and wild animals like squirrels and raccoons? Should you feed wild animals? What do you do if you find a baby bird that's fallen out of a nest or an animal that is hurt?

Meeting an Animal:
Do you know how to safely meet someone else's pet for the first time? Put a check mark (or an "X") in front of each item that is appropriate.
____ 1. Run up to it.
____ 2. Walk slowly toward it so it can see you.
____ 3. Slap your hands on your legs or lap so it can jump to you.
____ 4. Whistle loudly at it.
____ 5. Run after it.
____ 6. After safely approaching it, gently pet it.
____ 7. Scruff it up behind its ears.
____ 8. Ask the owner its name, and calmly call it by name.
____ 9. Pull its tail to keep it with you.
____ 10. Step on its foot gently so it can't run away.

#3. Creature Moves

Animals move in many different kinds of ways. Make the animal moves below. You can play music that reminds you of how each kind of animal moves.

Animal Charades
Write these animal names on separate slips of paper. Fold each once and place them all in a bowl or hat.
One by one, let each girl draw out one and act it out. Act out how the animal acts and sounds.
To make it tougher, don't allow any sounds!

Creature Moves
Move like an animal:
Rabbit Hop - Bend your knees and jump forward
Seal Slide - Pull yourself forward with your hands at your side while dragging your body and feet.  Bounce a little if you can.
Elephant Walk - Bend forward. Extend your arms and place one hand over the other to form a trunk.  Make sure that your fingers are pointing toward the ground.
Move slowly with legs stiff and straight and your trunk swinging from side to side.
Crab Scuttle - Sit on he floor with your hands behind you.  Lift up your body with your hands and feet. Walk on all fours. Walk forward and backward quickly.
Inchworm Crawl - Place both hands on the floor.  Try to keep your knees stiff and legs straight, but bend your knees if you have to.  Walk forward
with your hands as far as you can, and then walk forward with your feet to your hands.
Frog Jump - Squat on the floor with hands in front of feet. Jump forward and land on both hands and feet.
Snake Slither - Lie on the floor on your stomach.  Keep your arms against the sides of your body.  Move your body from side to side and try making an "S" shape.
 

#4. Looks Mean Something

Animals are divided into groups by the kinds of bodies they have. Find animals that match the descriptions in the list that follows by observing them in a habitat (place where they live), at the zoo, or in a book. How do their bodies affect the way they live?

• Animals that have 2 legs, 4 legs, 6 legs or 8 legs

• Animals with no legs

• Animals that have fur

• Animals with feathers

• Animals with scales

• Animals that have shells

• Animals with wings but no feathers

• Animals with paws

• Animals that have claws

• Animals with flippers

• Animals with hooves

#5. Sounds Charades

Animals communicate in many different ways. Some touch, some make noise, and some leave a smell. Play animals sounds charades. Have your friends guess which animal you are.

Chicken, Fly, Cricket, Horse, Donkey, Sparrow, Lion, Frog,  Elephant,
Rattlesnake,  Sea Lion, Cow, Parrot, Alligator, Monkey, Cat, Mouse, Owl
 

Other Animal Links:

Bagheera In the Wild - classroom activities list. Take the ideas here and simplify for your age group. Great reference material for the leaders on the site.
Climbing Koala - Learn about the habits and habitat of koalas then make one that will climb up a tree.
Conservation Kinetics - Girls will learn about various endangered animals by reading stories and then acting out scenes or playing games to understand the material.
National Wildlife Federation - games for kids page
Sugar Glider Kite - Learn about sugar gliders then make a sugar glider kite.
Wild Animal Facts - learn everything from survival habits to the weird and wacky ways of your favorite animals.
Pets For Kids: Information on the care of common pets from dogs to rats & hamsters. Good resource.
All About Nature - Animal Printouts: Information & coloring pages about almost any animal
Defenders of Wildlife from Kid's Planet: A great site with games, activities, & more!
Wildlife Conservation Society Kid's Site: Another good site with information & activities.
Henry Doorly Zoo http://www.omaha.org/zoo.htm
 

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