Over in the Valley

Art and science and regional geography come together in Over in the Valley. San Joaquin Valley species are featured in a fun song and book from which I jump into early grade science and art activities. Below are several activities, appropriate to several different grade levels.

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Interested in a school visit? Contact me. Mix and match these activities depending on your grade and interests.

Animal Characteristics: Students will sort animal species according to their traits – mammals (fur), birds (feathers), amphibians (skin), reptiles (scales), fish (scales) and insects (exoskeleton) and we’ll draw patterns to represent them.

Animals in their Habitats: We look at what is needed in every habitat, and the different places in which each of these animals live. I also talk about habitat loss and how animals can adapt or become extinct.

Animal Portrait: This fun art activity gives children the opportunity to observe one of the animals in depth, and we create a watercolor portrait. I have used the mountain lion many times because it can be broken down into simple shapes as we draw together. We also talk about why mountain lions are rarely seen in our area, and why other species have disappeared locally.