Bulletin Boards Creatures with Unusual Defense Mechanisms

(419 Words)
Bulletin boards can be utilized to teach children about a variety of subjects. Many kids are very interested in animals, especially those with unusual or unique characteristics. One interesting bulletin board can center around animals with unique defense mechanisms.
Story bulletin board
Turn your bulletin board into a story for the children. The main character can be a child that is the same age as the children in the class. This can allow them to relate. You can separate the bulletin board into six boxes, each of which will tell part of the story just like a big comic strip. In each box, the child can meet a different animal with a unique defense mechanism. For instance, in one of the frames, the child can meet a chameleon that changes colors to blend in with its surroundings. In another frame they can meet a sea cucumber, which can change the shape of its body to escape predators.
Photographs of the different animals
The children may want to see real photographs of the animals that have these defense mechanisms in action. You may make these large, and they can amaze the children. For instance, the Pacific Ocean Hagfish oozes a dangerous slime to predators. Of course make sure that the pictures are appropriate for the age of the students. If the students are older and can read, then you can write out information about the animals. This may include a description of the animal and its defense mechanism. You can also include many animals by making a list of them to post on the board.
You can make your bulletin board more special by making it 3D. Instead of just putting in a picture of the Hagfish and its ooze, try to recreate it with a doll and some toy slime. You can mount this to the board. Use stuffed animals or art projects created by the students to represent the other animals.
Get the children involved
The children may be more interested in your defense mechanism bulletin board if they play a part in creating it. Young children can learn about the animals and draw pictures of them. You can hang these pictures as part of your board. Older students can write reports about the different animals, which can also be present to supplement the bulletin board.
A bulletin board about animals with unusual defense mechanisms can teach students about the wonders of nature. Take the time to make an attractive display to draw the attention of your students.