Beauty and Eco-Relationships in the Natural World of Central America
ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL
By Karen O. Brown, Arts Educator
Adapted by Teaching for Change
In this lesson, students learn about three different animals — a bird, a frog, and a butterfly (the Motmot of El Salvador, the Exquisite Spike-Thumb Frog Plectrohyla exquisita of Honduras, and the Owl Butterfly from Guatemala). All these creatures are indigenous to Central America and help us understand the region’s ecosystems. Using visual art, the lesson gives students the opportunity to explore in-depth facts about each animal, while integrating an arts component where students are encouraged to draw the animals and design their own books about the animals to scaffold learning.
Grade Level
Suggested grade levels: K-8th
Guiding Questions
What are key facts about the Motmot, the Exquisite Spike-Thumb Frog Plectrohyla exquisita of Honduras, and the Owl Butterfly from Guatemala? What role do each play within their ecosystem (s)?
Why are some of the Central American fauna considered endangered animals? What factors contribute to their endangerment?
How can young people use art to learn more about, appreciate, and celebrate Central American biodiversity?
Learning Objectives
To explain basic facts about the Motmot, the Exquisite Spike-Thumb Frog Plectrohyla exquisita of Honduras, and the Owl Butterfly from Guatemala
To create art that celebrates the beauty and diversity of Central American fauna
To make connections between animals’ unique characteristics and anatomy and how they have adapted to their ecosystems
To identify the role that animals play in conserving their ecosystems
To accurately summarize and paraphrase information from credible research sources
To actively listen during classroom discussion to extend, challenge, and support other students’ thoughts and ideas
Here are picture examples of sample books made from this lesson.
The description of this lesson was written by Cierra Kaler-Jones.
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