Activity Overview
Girl Scouts learn what “habitat” means, then design a safe, clean, cozy habitat for an animal of their choosing.
- Guide Girl Scouts in thinking about different types of animal habitats.
- Have them choose an animal and learn what it needs in its habitat.
- Help Girl Scouts design and draw a cozy habitat for their animal.
Leader Guidance
Preparation: In this activity, Girl Scouts will need guidance on different types of animal habitats as they design one for an animal of their choosing. Plan to invite an animal expert who is knowledgeable about both domestic and wild animals, or share kid‑friendly videos during your meeting.
Say:
- Where do animals live? What do they need to be comfortable in their homes? (Give Girl Scouts time to share their thoughts. If they don't know, encourage them to take a guess. Remind them that taking risks is part of learning!)
- A habitat is a place where an animal lives.
- Animals like fish and dolphins live in the water, while other animals like lions and bears live on land.
- Animals need food, water, and shelter to survive in their habitats. Some animals eat plants for food, while others hunt and eat other animals. And just as we need a roof over our heads to stay safe and warm, animals need a place to live that protects them from danger and bad weather.
- Animals also have amazing features and abilities that help them survive in their habitats. For example, some animals have colors that help them blend into their surroundings and hide from predators. Others have long legs to help them run fast, or sharp claws to help them climb trees. Some animals even have special organs that let them breathe underwater! If an animal’s natural habitat or their cage, crate, stall, or tank is dirty, they can get sick. And if they don’t have enough space, they might not grow to full size.
- Today you’re designing a safe, comfortable habitat for an animal.
If a guest speaker is invited, have them suggest a few animals in different types of habitats for Girl Scouts to pick from and talk about what they would need. Remind Girl Scouts that a cozy habitat includes spaces where the animal can eat and drink, move around, hide, play, and rest. If you do have a guest speaker, put Girl Scouts in small groups with an adult who can help them do quick research on an animal of their choosing.
Then have Girl Scouts design a habitat for their animal by drawing it. Encourage them to add details and use their imagination to make the habitat safe, warm, and just right for their animal. Bring the group together and invite Girl Scouts to share their habitat creations.
Say:
- Who would like to share their animal and the habitat they created for it?
- Tell us why you added different things to the habitat. How do those things help keep the animal comfy, warm, or safe?
