Learning Science with Curiosity About Moonrats
Discover what smells funkier than a moonrat
Need to get some students stoked for science?
Want to create greater curiosity for learning about science, biology, nature, conservation, and collaboration?
From a 15 minute start, to full lessons and activities to extend the learning, below is your Curiosity-Based Thinking approach to turning a moonrat into learning experience that doesn’t stink.
15 Minute Start
Spark Curiosity: What do you think a “moonrat” looks like and where does it live? Then show a picture of a moonrat to stimulate discussion.
Share the facts: Mention how moonrats are small, nocturnal mammals that live in Southeast Asia, with a unique pungent smell used for defense.
Collaborative Task: Break students into small groups and ask them to come up with a list of 3 adaptations the moonrat might have to survive in its environment. Examples might include nocturnality (active at night), scent for self-defense, and long noses for finding food.
Discussion: After 5 minutes, each group shares their ideas, and you briefly introduce real adaptations.
15-Minute Classroom Lesson #1