Short description of the topic
The goal of this activity is to try out animal photography on an easy object – a snail. Children also learn about snails, their body parts and living habits.
Learning outcomes
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Competencies
- Digital and media competence
- Linguistic competences: new vocabulary
- Competence in science
- Critical thinking
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Target group
3 years and up- Individual work
In groups
- Individual work
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Required materials
- photograph of a snail
- camera/tablet/smartphone
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Materials
- photograph of a snail
Download
(.pdf 744.61 KB)
Description of the activity (step by step)
Preparation:
Ask children if they have ever seen a snail. Invite them to share their knowledge, experience and opinions about snails.
Present body parts of the snail and other interesting characteristics with the help of a photo. You can show the photos of different snail species, which differ in color, size, shape of the house etc.
Implementation:
Divide children into smaller groups and head out to the playground. Instruct children to search for snails and photograph them.
Reflection:
Back inside, look through the photos together. Children can discuss how the snails are different from each other, which snails are most present on their kindergarten playground and which ones are rare.
Variations and additional ideas
Children can use the photos as a basis for painting / drawing a snail.
Children can imitate the movement of snails.
Together, you can make a video of a snail moving. Then use a computer tool to create a fast version of the movement. Children compare the slow movement of the snail in nature and the accelerated version created with a computer program.
Background information and didactical perspective
Snails are perfect animals for an introduction to animal photography for children. Due to their slow pace they can’t run away and the pictures won’t get blurry due to movement. Snails are all present and very diverse, which again makes them a perfect motive for preschool children.
Experience from kindergartens:
After a rainy summer day we have noticed a great number of snails on our playground. Children were not afraid of the animals; they observed them with interest and touched their houses. Many children carried them from the asphalt into the grass and bushes in order to save them.
Materials
photograph of a snail
Photos of the activity
