Tropical Birds at Night

Capture amazing rain forest birds with a scratch-out crayon technique.

1. Find resources to research information about a tropical bird that you "adopt." Gather facts about habitat, size, egg-laying, and necessities for the bird's survival in the rainforest. Prepare a report about the bird, written with Crayola® Crayons that are the colors of the bird's plumage.

2. To create your Tropical Bird at Night, use a thick layer of crayons to cover white paper with color.

3. Cover the color with a dense layer of black Crayola crayon.

4. Scratch lines with a craft stick through the top layer to reveal color beneath. If this is your first time using the scratch-out technique, experiment with it on scrap paper before scratching your tropical bird.

Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.

Wood—By its nature, wood is rough and may contain splinters or sharp points

• Children from primary and upper grades work as partners to read and record information about a tropical bird they "adopt" together.
• Display art work and reports in a virtual tropical bird sanctuary for families and students to visit.
• Use recycled boxes and cardboard to create three-dimensional representations of water, plants, trees, sun, and other necessities for the birds' survival in the tropical rain forest. Play a tape of rain forest sounds to enhance the sanctuary experience.

Lesson Plans

crayola supplies

• Crayons
• Construction Paper

household supplies

• craft sticks

grades

• Grades 1 to 3
• Grades 4 to 6

subjects

• Language Arts
• Science
• Visual Arts

time

• 30 to 60 minutes
• Multiple Sessions

benefits

• Children use reference materials such as a card catalog, encyclopedia, and online information to research and write reports on tropical birds.


• Students identify characteristics necessary for tropical birds' survival in the rain forest climate, such as coloration, nesting habits, and food availability.


• Children use their observations and knowledge to create pictures of their tropical birds at night using a scratch-out technique.

Research Canada Standards
Research UK Standards
Research U.S. Standards