Grade 3 Environmental Activities Environment And Its Resources – Animals Notes
Environment and Its Resources — Animals
Hello! These notes are for children aged 8 in Kenya. We will learn about animals, where they live, and how to care for them. Animals are living things that move, eat, breathe and feel.
What is an animal?
Animals are living creatures. They can be big or small. They may live on land, in trees, or in water. Some animals live with people, and some live in the wild.
Types of animals
- Wild animals — live in nature (e.g., lion 🦁, elephant 🐘, giraffe 🦒, zebra 🦓). You can see them in Maasai Mara, Tsavo and Nairobi National Park.
- Farm animals — kept for food and work (e.g., cow 🐄, goat, sheep).
- Pets — live in homes (e.g., dog 🐕, cat 🐈, chicken 🐔).
- Water animals — live in rivers and lakes (e.g., fish, hippo 🦛). See some at Lake Victoria or rivers such as the Tana.
Where animals live (habitats)
Grassland with few trees. Lions, zebras, giraffes live here. (Example: Maasai Mara)
Many trees and shade. Monkeys and some birds live here.
Hippos, crocodiles and fish live here. (Example: Lake Victoria)
Dogs, chickens and cows live with people. They help families.
Why animals are important
- They help plants grow by spreading seeds.
- They keep nature balanced (food chains).
- They give people food and help on the farm.
- They make the environment beautiful and alive.
How we can help animals
Simple things you can do:
- Plant trees to make homes for birds and insects.
- Do not litter. Trash hurts animals.
- Always leave wild animals alone. Do not chase or feed them.
- Use water carefully so rivers do not dry up.
- Tell a grown-up if you see an animal hurt or trapped.
Safety: Always go with an adult when you visit parks or look for wild animals.
Fun activities (do with a teacher or parent)
1. Make a simple bird feeder
- Materials: used plastic bottle or paper roll, string, seeds, scissors (grown-up helps).
- Make small holes, insert string to hang, fill with seeds, and hang on a tree.
- Watch which birds visit. Write their names in your notebook.
2. Animal observation chart
Take a notebook. Write: Date, Place, Animal, What it did (e.g., eating, sleeping), Who was with you. Try this at school or on a short walk.
3. Draw and label
Draw your favourite Kenyan animal. Label its head, legs, tail, and show where it lives (tree, grass, water).
4. Clean-up game (with adults)
Pick up litter in the school yard. Count bags of rubbish. This helps animals stay safe.
Fun facts
- Elephants are the largest land animals in Kenya. They use trunks to drink and pick food.
- Giraffes have long necks so they can eat leaves from tall trees.
- Lions live in groups called prides.
- Some frogs in Kenya change color to hide from predators.
Quick quiz (ask a friend or your teacher)
- Name two farm animals.
- Where do hippos live?
- What should you not do to wild animals?
- Give one way to help birds.
Short glossary
Habitat — where an animal lives.
Wild animal — lives in nature, not at home with people.
Pet — an animal kept at home for friendship.
Conservation — protecting animals and places they live.
Places to visit with adults: Nairobi National Park, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, or local community forests and rivers. Enjoy learning about animals!