One effective way to learn about biomes, habitats or animal groups (mammals, insects, etc.) is to build a mural. Students can research the animals, plants, and/or climate and topography of a particular habitat and then illustrate (or print out and post) the parts in one large mural on a classroom or hallway wall. Building and understanding the parts of a habitat or animal group (and how they fit together in a foodweb) creates a lasting impression for students.
Using the Exploring Nature pre-made murals, students can:
- print out animals and plants (use them as is or blow them up to half-size or even full-size to scale)
- color them appropriately and cut them out (these can be laminated and cut out for more durable murals)
- research their natural history and write each up on provided text plates (or use pre-made text plates)
- create a background using construction paper or rolled paper dabbed with tempra paint on sponges for color
- place animals and plants on mural
- take a picture with your class and email it in to be posted on Exploring Nature!
