The animal wheel is a simple tool that reduces decision time and increases engagement. Each spin gives you a new context for science, literacy, or art tasks.
Quick Activities (5–10 minutes)
- Team Picker: Spin and assign each team an animal; teams research habitat, diet, and one conservation fact.
- Writing Warm‑up: Students write 3–5 sentences describing habitat, behavior, and one adaptation.
- Sketch It: Two‑minute gesture drawings; focus on shapes, proportion, and silhouette.
Structured Tasks (15–30 minutes)
- Fact Hunt: Use the Animal Facts Worksheet to capture taxonomy, diet, and range.
- Visual Study: Open the Random Animal Generator for references; practice texture and value.
- Vocabulary Builder: Identify terms: predator, raptor, mammal, reptile, amphibian, omnivore, herbivore.
Differentiation
- Provide sentence frames for emerging writers.
- Offer choice boards (write, draw, map, present).
- Assign peer roles: researcher, illustrator, presenter.
Assessment Ideas
- Exit ticket: one fact + one question about the spun animal.
- Mini presentation using the worksheet.
- Sketchbook check: silhouette + three texture swatches.
Helpful Links
Teacher Resources · Sea Animals · Drawing Prompts · More blog posts
FAQ
Is this suitable for elementary grades?
Yes. Adjust output length, vocabulary, and product type by grade.
How many animals are included?
200+ animals with pictures and summaries; details on each animal profile page.