Creatures of the Night

ages 6-8

What are nocturnal animals?  Nocturnal animals are active at nighttime and sleep during the day. Advantages of being nocturnal:

•    Nocturnal predators can hunt in the same location as diurnal predators because they are not in competition during the same time of day (hawks vs. owls).

•    Nocturnal predators can hunt animals that have poor night vision

•    Nocturnal prey animals can avoid being hunted by diurnal predators and reduce risk of predation to themselves or their offspring.

•    Nocturnal animals can avoid the heat of day, and can conserve water

Our students will begin the class by observing day and “night” in our museum. In the classroom we will be discussing nocturnal animals and the adaptations that help them to survive while we visit with some of ONP’s Animal Ambassadors. Finally, we will create an item to take home to remind us of our day.