Nocturnal Animals

Core Learning Experience + Supplies and Equipment

  • Spark interest in this topic by reading a book; showing photos, seeing a real nocturnal animal (owl, raccoon); a trip to a zoo.
  • Some nocturnal animals are: cats, bats, raccoons, badgers, crickets, hippos, foxes, owls, koalas, gerbils and mice. There are many more. ​

Possible/Expected Discoveries

  • ​Some animals sleep during the day and are awake and finding food at night (nocturnal), and other animals, including people are usually awake during the day (diurnal).
  • Animals that are usually awake at night have special parts of their body or senses that help them to live in the dark, and hunt for food. For example animals in the cat family including domestic cats, have special eyes that help them see well at night. Bats have extra sensitive ears that listen for echoes

Extended Learning and Other Curriculum Areas

  • ​​Categorize nocturnal and diurnal animals.
  • Make up a group story about a cat that creeps out of its home at night to see the world.  Let’s write it down and read it.  Illustrate the story.

Activity Packs and Printables

Picture
A Lift-the Flap booklet for Nocturnal Animals: Who is awake at night?
Picture
Exploring the concept and vocabulary of night/day for early learners. $3.50

Websites

​http://www.nancymusic.com/Nocturnal.htm
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/coloring/nocturnal.shtml (lots of nocturnal animals)
http://ebiomedia.com/gall/eyes/nocturnal.html

Books