This inquiry-based activity focuses on what animals need in order to survive. Students will brainstorm lists for different types of animals. They compare and contrast these lists to discover the four basic needs of living creatures: food, water, shelter, space. Discussion provides opportunity for students to discover differences between what they want and what they actually need for survival. ½ hour-1 hour. Project Wild. Everybody Needs a Home is a good follow-up activity to Beautiful Basics.
Extension activity: Students take a walk, looking for evidence of ways forest animals might meet these basic needs.