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Why Do Animals Hibernate?

Lesson Plan

Winter Sleepers Plan

Students will be able to define hibernation and identify animals that hibernate, explaining the reasons why animals hibernate as a survival strategy.

Understanding hibernation connects students to the natural world, fostering an appreciation for animal adaptations and the science behind survival. It highlights how living things respond to environmental challenges.

Audience

Elementary School Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Through engaging slides, an interactive activity, and a matching game, students will learn about hibernation.

Materials

Smartboard or projector, Animal Winter Wonders, Build a Bear Den, and Sleepy Animal Match

Prep

Prepare Materials

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Sleepy Animal Match

5 minutes

  • Begin the lesson with the Sleepy Animal Match warm-up.
    * Ask students to match animals with their winter behaviors (e.g., bear-hibernate, bird-migrate, rabbit-stay active).
    * Discuss their answers briefly, leading into the topic of how animals survive winter.

Step 2

Introduction to Hibernation

10 minutes

  • Present the first few slides of the Animal Winter Wonders slide deck.
    * Introduce the concept of hibernation: what it is and why animals do it.
    * Ask questions like: 'What do you think happens to animals when it gets really cold and food is scarce?'

Step 3

Animal Hibernators

15 minutes

  • Continue through the Animal Winter Wonders slide deck, focusing on different animals that hibernate.
    * Discuss specific examples (bears, groundhogs, bats, hedgehogs) and their unique adaptations.
    * Encourage students to share any animals they know that hibernate.

Step 4

Activity: Build a Bear Den

10 minutes

  • Transition to the Build a Bear Den activity.
    * Divide students into small groups and provide them with materials to build a
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Slide Deck

Where Do Animals Go in Winter?

What happens when it gets super cold and snowy?

Where do the animals disappear to?

Welcome students and introduce the topic of how animals survive winter. Ask them if they've ever wondered where animals go when it gets cold.

Hibernation: Winter's Long Nap!

Hibernation is a special, deep sleep some animals take in winter.

It helps them save energy when food is scarce and it's too cold to be out and about!

Introduce the term 'hibernation' and explain it in simple terms. Emphasize that it's like a very deep sleep to save energy.

Why Hibernate?

Animals hibernate to:

  • Stay Warm: It's super cold outside!
  • Save Energy: Food is hard to find.

Their heart rate and breathing slow down. They use less energy!

Explain why animals hibernate: to avoid cold and lack of food. Mention that their bodies slow down a lot.

Who Hibernates? Meet the Sleepy Stars!

Bears: Did you know bears aren't 'true' hibernators? They go into a deep sleep called 'torpor' where they can still wake up!

They find a cozy den and snooze away the winter.

Give examples of well-known hibernators. Start with bears, explaining that it's not a 'true' hibernation but a similar deep sleep.

Groundhogs: Weather Predictors?

Groundhogs are famous for popping out on Groundhog Day!

They are true hibernators, sleeping deeply for months in their underground burrows.

Talk about groundhogs, famous for Groundhog Day! Explain their deep sleep.

Bats: Upside-Down Sleepers!

Bats hang upside down in caves and attics to hibernate.

They huddle together to stay warm and save energy until spring.

Discuss bats. Mention their unique way of hanging upside down while hibernating.

Hedgehogs: Little Spiky Sleepers!

Hedgehogs build special nests called 'hibernaculums' to stay safe and warm.

They snore all winter long, dreaming of spring insects!

Introduce hedgehogs. Mention they build nests.

Time to Wake Up!

Hibernation is an amazing way for animals to survive winter.

When spring arrives, they wake up hungry and ready to find food!

Can you name some animals that hibernate?

Briefly recap and ask students to name some hibernating animals.

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Activity

Build a Bear Den Challenge!

Objective: To understand the importance of a safe and warm den for hibernating animals by building one!

Materials (per group):

  • Blankets
  • Pillows
  • Cardboard boxes
  • Chairs
  • Any other soft or sturdy materials available

Instructions:

  1. Work in Teams: Get into your assigned groups (2-4 students per group).
  2. Design Your Den: Imagine you are a bear getting ready for winter. Discuss with your group:
    • Where would you build your den? (e.g., under a tree, in a cave)
    • What materials would make it cozy and safe?
    • How will your den keep you warm?
  3. Build It! Use the provided materials to construct a den that you think a bear (or another hibernating animal) would love to sleep in all winter long. Make sure it's big enough for at least one of you to fit inside comfortably!
  4. Test Your Den: Once your den is built, have one or two group members try to get inside. Is it cozy? Does it feel safe and warm?
  5. Share Your Creation: Each group will present their den to the class, explaining their design choices and what they learned about the importance of a good den for hibernation.













Reflection Questions:

  1. What was the most important thing you considered when building your den?



  2. How does building a den help an animal survive the cold winter?



  3. If you were a hibernating animal, what would be your favorite feature of your den?



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Warm Up

Sleepy Animal Match-Up!

Instructions: Draw a line to match each animal with how it might spend the winter. Some animals might have similar ways of surviving!

Animals:

  • Bear
  • Bird (Robin)
  • Groundhog
  • Squirrel
  • Bat
  • Deer

Winter Strategies:

  • Migrates to warmer places
  • Hibernates in a den
  • Stays active, finds stored food
  • Goes into a deep sleep (torpor) in a den
  • Stays active, forages for food
  • Hibernates hanging upside down in a cave













Challenge Question: Why do animals have different ways of surviving winter? Think about what they eat and where they live!






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Why Do Animals Hibernate? • Lenny Learning