Activity Overview
Girl Scouts learn about where animals live and how to observe them in their habitats.
- Talk about the variety of habitats animals live in.
- Take Girl Scouts outdoors to observe animals and their homes.
- Allow Girl Scouts to take field notes on everything they can observe!
Leader Guidance
Preparation: Arrange a nature walk for Girl Scouts to observe wild animals in your area. It doesn’t have to be a formal hike—a neighborhood walk or trip to a park will work just fine! Before the walk, make sure to review any safety guidelines, such as staying together and not approaching or touching any animals they may encounter.
Say:
- You’re probably used to seeing a mix of domestic and wild animals in your community. Can you think of animals you see outside sometimes? (Wait for answers. If needed, remind the group that animals include insects—do they notice ants, butterflies, or worms?)
- Domestic or tame animals, such as farm animals and pets, live alongside people. These animals depend on us for their food, shelter, and water.
- Wild animals live in a natural environment and don’t depend on humans for care.
- When scientists study animals, they observe where the animals live, when they sleep and eat, and how they communicate with one another. Sometimes scientists use helpful tools, such as a magnifying glass or binoculars to get a closer look; a ruler to measure an animal’s size; or a stopwatch to track how long it takes an animal to do something.
- To remember what they learn, scientists record or write down their findings. These are called field notes!
- We’re going outdoors today to observe animals in our community.
Head outside for your nature walk! On the way, encourage Girl Scouts to observe and take notes about any animals they see. They can draw pictures or write down their observations. Have them note whether they used any tools, such as a magnifying glass or measuring tape. If there’s inclement weather or the group is unable to access the outdoors, use Parts of a Habitat to introduce a variety of animal habitats.
After the walk and if time allows, have Girl Scouts learn more about any animals they saw. They can go online with help from an adult, or look through the provided materials. Have them share their findings with the group.
Say:
- Who wants to share their findings with the group?
- What animals did you see? How would you describe their homes? (Encourage but do not require Girl Scouts to share.)
Multi-level Tips
This activity is suitable for all Girl Scout levels. Girl Scouts can do the activity together, or split into groups and search the land, trees, and sky. Older Girl Scouts can also help younger ones, if needed.
