After studying about beavers and their homes, this is an enjoyable "hands-on" activity for students to do. They will see first-hand just how much work it is for the beaver!
You will need the following supplies:
2 paper plates for each student
1 large box of instant chocolate pudding
Chinese noodles
Pretzel sticks
Puffed wheat cereal
Allow the students to color one plate "blue" for the water. The other plate is a "materials" storage area for the supplies they will use.
Prepare the pudding as the package directs (the night before). Give each student about a tablespoon of pudding to act as the "mud" for the dam. The noodles and the pretzel sticks are the sticks for the dam. The puffed wheat cereal are the stones or pebbles for the dam to hold out the water. (You could also use Cherrios or chocolate chips)
The students are the beaver, and they are to construct the dam. They only move one "stick" at a time because the beaver would only move one at a time. The mud can only be moved on finger at a time!
Some students will catch on right away the best possible way to make the dam. No one will be wrong in the construction. They will soon find out that they have to use the mud to hold the sticks together.
Note: The inside of the dam will be hollow. They do not build the lodge on top.
After construction is complete, the students can enjoy eating their masterpiece! (with a spoon)
