29. Hibernation in Animals: 6 Dormancy Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Groups

Naturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families

Hibernation in animals is a much talked about topic in elementary science, but it’s misunderstood. Listen in to hear about hibernation and the different forms of animal dormancy including torpor, brumation, and diapause.

After covering the basics of animal dormancy, we’ll talk through 6 different activities inspired by sleeping animals for grades K-5. I share the Next Generation Science Standard that inspired the activity, how the activity connects to animal dormancy, and how to use the activity with your class or homeschool group.

Press play to hear about:

• Role playing animals looking for their needs in preparation for winter (Kindergarten)
• Using a movement cube to experience ways animals prepare for their winter sleep (1st Grade)
• Completing a chipmunk inspired relay race (2nd Grade)
• Creating models of insects entering diapause in different life stages (3rd Grade)
• Developing centers to match animals with their internal structures that support survival by sleeping through the winter (4th Grade)
• Collecting data of sunrise and sunset time along with animal sightings to determine how hours of daylight affect animal dormancy (5th Grade)

Resources mentioned 💚

• Hibernation Preparation Movement Cube for 1st Grade
• Suny College ESF - Woodchuck
• Small reusable shopping bags
• "Not a Buzz to Be Found" by Linda Glaser

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode29

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