Bring winter science learning to life with a hibernation craft and activities for Kindergarten–Grade 2! Students create a lift-the-flap bear den, learn how animals spend the winter, and sort animals into hibernates and stays active groups.
This resource combines illustrated lesson pages, animal information and a hands-on craft to help students understand hibernation, winter shelter and how animals survive when food is harder to find.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Hibernation lesson pages for shared reading and discussion
- Winter background page for the bear den craft
- Rock shaped den flap with a folding line and glue tab
- Sleeping bear cutout to colour and place inside the den
- Writing lines on the craft background for a student response
- Student and teacher craft instructions
- Information about eight animals found in Canada
- Animal sorting cards and “Hibernates” and “Stays Active” sorting mats
LIFT-THE-FLAP HIBERNATION CRAFT
Students colour a winter scene, add a curled-up bear and attach a flap that lifts to reveal the bear inside its den. They then use the writing space to explain their learning.
Use the included bear cutout or invite students to draw their own bear. The completed crafts make a classroom display that shares students’ science learning.
ANIMALS IN WINTER SORTING ACTIVITY
Students learn about the American black bear, Vancouver Island marmot, Richardson’s ground squirrel, little brown bat, snowshoe hare, North American beaver, black-capped chickadee and eastern grey squirrel.
Using the animal information, students sort the cards according to whether each animal hibernates or stays active during winter. Use the activity for partner work, a reusable science centre or an individual cut-and-sort task.
WHAT WILL STUDENTS LEARN?
- Why winter can make food harder to find
- How hibernation helps animals save energy
- How a den provides shelter
- How stored body fat helps a bear through winter
- How animals that stay active find food and shelter
- Why animals that look similar may have different winter behaviours
DESIGNED FOR K–2 CLASSROOMS
Read the lesson and information pages aloud with younger students. Kindergarten learners can explain their thinking orally or through drawings, while Grade 1 and Grade 2 students can add written responses.
Use these hibernation activities during your animals in winter lessons, winter science learning or an introduction to animal adaptations.
SIMPLE MATERIALS
You’ll need the printed templates, colouring supplies, scissors and glue. Students can also use white scrap paper to add snow to their winter scenes.
Created by a Nuučaan̓ułʔatḥ educator, this resource features animals found in Canada and gives students several ways to read, discuss, create and demonstrate their learning.
