Prey-Predator (Lesson Plan)

This lesson primarily focuses on the topic - environmental science.  Within this lesson, children will learn the difference between prey and predators.  This is an excellent lesson for children because it's a fun and engaging way to effortlessly learn about different kinds of prey and predators.

Student Learning Map

Name: Shippensburg PreK-4 Students             Date: 4/13/2012

Course/Subject:  Science                                     Team:

Topic: Environmental Science                            School/District: Biglerville Elementary

Key Learning: (this is linked to the Unit Essential Question) Understanding the difference between prey and predators.

Unit Essential Question: (the Unit EQ) What is the difference between prey and predators?

Concept: Environmental Science	Concept: Environmental Science	Concept:
Lesson Essential Questions: What is the definition of prey? Give at least 3 examples of prey.	Lesson Essential Questions: What is the definition of predator? Give at least 3 examples of predators.	Lesson Essential Questions:
Vocabulary: Prey – an animal that is hunted or caught for food	Vocabulary: Predator – an animal that lives by killing other animals for food	Vocabulary:

Additional Information/Resources: §  Popsicle sticks with pictures of different animals (e.g. owl – predator; mouse – prey) §  Prey and Predator signs

Acquisition Lesson Plan

Plan for the concept, topic, or skill-not for the day

Name: ____Shippensburg PreK-4 Students___       Topic:    Environmental Science 

Essential Question: What is the difference between prey and predators?

What do students need to learn to be able to answer the Essential Question? Assessment Prompt:   Prey and Predator Signs Assessment Prompt:   Prey and Predator Examples. Assessment Prompt:   Game.

Activating Strategy:  With much expression and excitement, read Hattie and the Fox by Mem Fox.  Discuss how the different animals responded to the fox and why. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Key vocabulary to preview:  Prey/Predator

Teaching Strategies: Graphic Organizer:  N/A

Instruction:  Begin a whole group discussion on prey and predators. AP#1:  Hold up the prey and predator signs. Talk about each definition. AP #2:  Give examples of each using the Animal Popsicle Sticks. (e.g.    -  Hold up the owl popsicle stick and say, “An owl is a predator, which means it eats and kills another animal for food.  Can anyone guess what the owl might eat?”            - Hold up the mouse popsicle stick and say, “Yes.  The owl might eat a mouse.  Since the mouse is hunted and killed for food, it is the prey.”) AP #3:  Explain the game. -         1st time: Give each student an Animal Popsicle Stick.  Each popsicle stick will have a different animal on it.  Explain that some students will have an animal that is a predator while some will have an animal that is the prey.  Also mention that their animal may be both a predator and a prey.  (Hints: On the back of each Animal Popsicle Stick are hints.  These hints tell what the animal eats and what eats that animal.  This helps them know who to chase or who to run away from.  Ultimately it tells them who they are – the “predator” or the “prey” or “both.”)  Explain that the “predator” is going to chase the prey and tag them.  The “prey” must run away from the “predator.” -         2nd time:  Have the children switch Popsicle sticks.  Play again – only this time it’s freeze tag.  Once someone tags you, you must freeze and stay there until the game is over. Assignment:  N/A

Summarizing Strategy:  §  Review the difference between prey and predator. §  Talk about what the kids enjoyed.  (e.g. Which was more fun – being the predator or the prey?)