Minibeast Habitat Hunt Activity
Learning Objective: Pupils can find minibeasts in the school grounds and record where they live
About this resource
This engaging activity encourages Year 1 pupils to explore their school grounds and discover where minibeasts live, aligning perfectly with the science curriculum's focus on living things and their habitats. Teachers can use this resource to facilitate hands-on learning, allowing children to observe and record their findings, thereby developing their understanding of local ecosystems and scientific inquiry skills.
Activity Overview
45 minutesPupils go on a minibeast hunt around the school grounds, searching in different habitats (under logs, in grass, near water, on walls). They record what they find and where they find it.
Before You Go
Rules for minibeast hunting:
- Be gentle — don't hurt any creatures
- Put everything back where you found it
- Use magnifying glasses to look closely
- Work in pairs
- Stay in the school grounds
Equipment needed: Magnifying glasses, clipboards, recording sheets, pencils, pots with lids (for temporary observation)
Recording Sheet
My Minibeast Hunt
| Where I looked | What I found | How many | Draw it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under a log | |||
| In the grass | |||
| On a wall | |||
| Near a tree | |||
| By water |
Back in Class
- Share what you found — which minibeast was most common?
- Create a class tally chart of all minibeasts found
- Discuss: Why do different minibeasts live in different places?
- Draw your favourite minibeast and write 3 facts about it
Differentiation
SEN Support
Paired with adult support. Simplified recording (tick chart). Magnifying glass for close observation.
EAL Support
Visual minibeast identification cards. Key vocabulary: habitat, minibeast, magnify. Paired hunt.
Gifted & Talented
Create a bar chart of minibeasts found. Write about why certain minibeasts prefer certain habitats (adaptation).
Key Vocabulary
Assessment Criteria
- Can find minibeasts in different habitats
- Can record findings accurately
- Can explain why minibeasts live where they do