Name a Creature

Age/Grade Appropriate

Grades 3 through 6

Key Concepts

Drawing
Language Arts
Numbering
Scientific Naming

Background

The names of most prehistoric creatures are combinations of Latin and Greek root words used to describe facts about the animal, such as its believed appearance and behavior.   Other parts of the names may include where the animals was discovered or even the name of the scientist who made the discovery.  

Activity

Have students draw imaginary animals and give them descriptive names.

Materials (per student)

Pencil
4 unruled index cards per student
Animal Name Chart

Procedure

1. Number the cards 1 through 4
2. Lay cards 1 and 2 side by side on a table
3. Draw an imaginary creature across the three cards.   Try to get the animal centered (half on each card) with the head on 1 and the hind end on 2
4. Remove card 2 with the hind end and replace it with blank card 3.
5. Draw a differently shaped hind end on card 3.
6. Remove card 1 with the head and front end on it and replace with card 4
7. Draw a new head and front end on card 4
8. Rearrange the cards to make differently shaped animals
9. Use the Animal Name Chart to name each animal

Results

Four interchangeable cards with animal body parts are made.   The cards can be rearranged to produce imaginary animals with differently shaped tails, bodies, and heads.   The names given to each animal can vary depending the drawing and on the person doing the naming.

Why

The lines drawn on the cards meet when the cards are placed side by side, allowing you to create different animal shapes.   The names of animals can describe what they looked like, how you think they behaved, where they were when they were covered, or the name of the person who discovered them.