Activity
Carnivore? Herbivore? or Omnivore?
Hands-on activity for elementary school students who are blind or visually impaired to learn about various food sources animals consume.
Elementary school students learn about the various food sources that animals consume. They learn the difference between organisms that make their own food (producers) and those that eat other organisms (consumers). Among consumers, they differentiate between herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.
This activity assesses students understanding of the difference between carnivores, herbivores and omnivores.
- 6 Tubs
- 6 smaller containers (I like to use the styrofoam container from a lb of mushrooms.)
- Models of animals – some herbivores, some carnivores, and some omnivores
- Labels in print and/or braille for students as follows:
- carnivore – 3
- herbivore – 3
- omnivore – 3
- Prepare 3 labels of each: herbivore, omnivore, and carnivore in each student’s reading medium.
- Write each students initials on his/her labels.
- Place models of various animals in tubs at stations around the room. Choose several omnivores, several herbivores, and several carnivores.
- Place smaller containers (for labels) next to each tub.
- Each student will be given his/her labels upon entry to the classroom or lab.
- Explain to the class that at each station, students will choose which label correctly identifies the organism and place the label in the container next to the organism.
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Students will move around the room in a clockwise direction.
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The instructor will describe food sources of the animals as necessary.
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The instructor will assess by looking at the initials in each bin during and after class.
By Laura Hospitál
