Animal Focus: Elephants Unit Study

During this unit study, we will get the chance to discover the majestic life of elephants. Let's delve into the various aspects of these powerful giants.

Discovering the World of Elephants

Welcome to our study on elephants, the largest land animals on Earth! Elephants are not only known for their immense size, but also for their complex social structures, impressive intelligence, and unique physical features. As we explore the world of elephants, we'll uncover fascinating facts about their habitats, behaviors, communication, and conservation challenges.

Elephants have captured human imagination for centuries, appearing in ancient art, mythology, and even in modern conservation efforts. They are remarkable creatures that have evolved over millions of years to thrive in diverse environments, from the dense forests of Asia to the vast savannas of Africa.

Find our Elephant Unit Study HERE!

https://curiousbeastsacademy.etsy.com/ca/listing/1852885657/elephant-unit-study-primary-education

Language Arts

Reading and writing about elephants can be exciting and educational! Here are some engaging activities:

Elephant Copy-Work

Objective: Develop a deeper understanding of sentence structure and practice penmanship.

Activity:

• Print out a list of elephant facts and have your child copy them into their journal. This activity can be done over the course of the unit writing one interesting fact a day and drawing a picture to go along with it.

  
  

Alternatively children can find their own facts in books that have been borrowed from the library.

Elephant Vocabulary Word Wall

Objective: Develop and expand vocabulary.

Activity: Create a word wall featuring elephant-related vocabulary. Some useful word examples include:

• Calf

• Herd

• Matriarch

• Migrate

• Trunk

• Tusk

Math: Elephant Counting and Graphing

Math can be engaging with these Elephant-themed activities:

Elephant Populations

Objective: Apply math skills to real-life scenarios.

Activity:

• Begin by discussing the current populations of different species of elephants. (African Elephants- 415 000, Asian Elephants- 50 000)

• Look at populations in 1989 and compare to todays populations. (African Elephants-352 000, Asian Elephants 20 000)

• Look even further back to populations from early 1900's and compare to todays populations. (African Elephants- 10 000 000, Asian Elephants- 100 000.)

• Create a line graph to represent these numbers.

• What do you notice about the numbers? What kinds of things do you think impacted populations?

  
  

  In 1989, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) banned the international trade of African elephant ivory

  
  

  
  

Geography: Elephant Habitats Around the World

Understanding where elephants live enhances knowledge of their habits and behaviors.

Mapping Elephant Habitats

Objective: Develop an understanding of elephant habitats.

Activity: Using a large world map mark out where each type of elephant lives. Discuss what makes these elephants well adapted to where they live. Use maps of specific countries to further map different elephant colonies.

Building Elephant Habitat.

Objective: Develop an understanding of elephant habitats.

Method:

1. Have children choose their favorite elephant species and challenge them to build an appropriate habitat for them.

2. Help your child research the habitat of their chosen species and gather supplies for their model.

   
   

Science: Learning About Elephants

Incorporating scientific concepts into your elephant unit fosters curiosity and discovery!

Life Cycle of a Elephant

Objective: Discuss the lifecycle of elephants.

Explore the life cycle of a elephants, from pregnancy to adulthood. Use visual aids like diagrams and children's books.

Activity: Have kids create a life cycle wheel illustrating the stages of a elephant's life. Discuss what happens during different stages in their life cycle.

Anatomy of a Elephant

Objective: Discuss the anatomy of elephant.

Discuss the different parts of an elephant and how they are well adapted for life in their habitats.

Activity: Label a model of a elephant, older children can include facts about each part.

Elephant Trunk Investigation

Objective: Discuss the importance of an elephant's trunk.

This activity is best for outside in the summer

Materials:

• Mitten

• Items of various weigh and size to pick up.

• Turkey Baster

Method:

1. Have children put on a mitten and use it to pick up different items. Then have them sort the items according to how difficult it was to pick up.

2. Use a turkey baster to suck up water and and try to spray it into their mouths. Afterward they can suck up water with the baster and tory to spray it up in the air to wet themselves.

3. Discuss the advantages of having a trunk and what difficulties elephants may have if they didn't have it.

Arts and Crafts: Elephant Creativity

Art and creativity reinforce what children learn about elephants!

Cardboard Elephant

Objective: Use recycled items to create art.

Materials:

• 2 toilet paper rolls

• Egg carton

• Cereal box

• Glue

• Paint

• Sharpie

  
  

Instructions:

1. Cut a single egg cup from the carton so it fits snug on the inside edge of the toilet paper roll.

2. Cut one of the toilet paper tubes in half and cut one of the halves in half again. Fold the quarters in half.  (these will be the legs)

3. Cut a centimetre piece off of the full toilet paper tube and cut 4 slots along the bottom for the legs.

4. Slide the folded cardboard legs through one of the holes and push them through the opposite hole. Repeat for second set of legs. Shorten the legs so it stands.

5. Paint your elephant as well as a piece of cereal box.

6. Once it has dried cut out ears, a trunk and a tail from your cardboard. Secure the pieces to your elephant.

Asian Elephant with Tinfoil.

Objective: Create a tactile elephant.

Materials:

• cardboard

• sharpie(or elephant outline)

• tape

• white glue

• tinfoil

• paint

• sequins(optional)

  
  

Instructions:

1. Draw an elephant onto the cardboard (alternatively your can glue a elephant outline to the cardboard)

2. Trace over the outline of your elephant with white glue and let it dry completely.

3. Once dry cover the cardboard with a piece of tinfoil and secure with tape.

4. Gently trace around your glue outline with your finger to elevate the glue lines.

5. Paint your elephant and background. Add embellishments like a blanket on its back and other adornments.

   
   

Free Form Elephant Art

Objective: Focus on developing individual creativity.

Activity: Provide your child with various craft supplies and challenge them to create their elephant art. There are no rules here besides using elephants as a prompt. Revisit this often providing different mediums and supplies.

Resources

1. Library

The library is always our first stop for any unit study there are so many wonderful books to choose from. Be sure to choose both non-fiction and fiction books. Some of our favorites:

• Asian Elephant- Louise Spilsbury

• African elephants- Gail Terp

• Elephant Journey- Rob Laidlow

• The Elephant- Jenny Desmond

• Exploring the World of Elephants- Tracy C. Read

• Elephant Secret- Eric Walters

• The Elephant Keeper- Margriet Ruurs

• The Elephant Thief- Jane Kerr

• How to Be an Elephant- Katherine Roy

2. Online

There are some great resources online to learn even more about elephants.

• https://www.britannica.com/animal/elephant-mammal

• https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/animals/general-animals/elephant-facts/

• https://elephantconservation.org/about-elephants/

• https://buschgardens.com/educational-resources/elephants/

• https://elephanatics.org/education/

  
  

3. Shows and Documentaries

What could be more enchanting than watching documentaries on these powerful creatures?

• Elephant (Disney+)

• Secrets of the Elephants(Disney+)

• The Elephant Whisperers (netflix)

• Whispers: an Elephant's Tale

• Elephants Up Close: Gentle African Giants(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5JOm9msVoI)

• Wildlife | Episode 5: Elephants of Africa & Asia(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zxAxbBuz8s)

  
  

Find our Elephant Unit Study HERE!

https://curiousbeastsacademy.etsy.com/ca/listing/1852885657/elephant-unit-study-primary-education

Final Thoughts on Elephants

Delve into the fascinating world of elephants, from the African savannas to the Asian jungles. Explore the different species of elephants and their unique characteristics, such as the African bush elephant and the Asian elephant.

Discover the challenges faced by elephants in the wild due to habitat loss and poaching, and learn about conservation efforts aimed at protecting these majestic creatures.

Engage in elephant-themed activities like creating artwork, playing games, and solving puzzles to deepen your understanding and appreciation for these intelligent animals.

Embark on an educational journey to uncover the beauty and importance of elephants in our world. Immerse yourself in the Elephant Unit Study and gain a newfound respect for these gentle giants!