On November 10, Stevenson kindergarteners in Melissa Loconte’s class explored creativity and imagination during a hands-on “Create a Creature” lab presented by the DuPage Children’s Museum.
To begin the lab, the young learners explored insects and amphibians in resin, as well as skulls and animal hides. The intriguing specimens soon had some students pretending to have shark teeth and a bear’s jaw. Others guessed at what the specimens could be. A dinosaur skull? Or perhaps, a skunk’s hide?
“We learn about animals every day in class,” said Ms. Loconte. “But during this lesson, students got to touch real specimens for the first time!”
With imaginations and creativity ignited, the students were tasked with creating their own animal creatures using materials such as pipe cleaners, clay, construction paper and feathers.
Some creations included a blue seal, a feathered insect, and a pink hippopotamus-like creature with a toothy grin.
“Students loved the clay most of all,” said Ms. Loconte. “It was very exciting to see them take ownership of their animal creations and feel proud of what they made.”
What creative creations! A special thank you to Ms. Loconte and the DuPage Children’s Museum for a unique hands-on learning experience.