Homeschool Science: Animal Webcams

Children of all ages are often fascinated by animals. Children are curious by nature and enjoy watching animals move, communicate, rest, eat, and play.

Taking a trip to the zoo or the aquarium is a fantastic way to see animals in action. However, taking such a trip may not be possible.  Your animal enthusiast can still enjoy animal observation via live webcams stationed in zoos, parks, and nature preserves around the world.

Animal observation is not only fun, but it also provides an excellent opportunity for your child to practice scientific strategies. Watching live animals allows your child to practice the skill of observation, document the various behaviors of the animals, and make predictions about future behavior.

Make animal webcams part of your science time by having your child watch the webcam for 30 minutes or so and then take observational notes in a journal. Journaling is a great way to help your child gain a better grasp of the animal she is observing. Have your child write down the answers to these questions as your he watches the webcam:

• What time did your observation begin?
• What does the animal look like today?
• Does the animal look different than it did the last time you observed it?
• What does the animal’s habitat look like?
• Is the animal’s habitat natural or manmade?
• What is the animal doing?
• What time does your observation end?
• How does the animal move?
• How does the animal interact with other creatures?
• What time did your observation end?

You can also use this form to take notes during the observational period.

Are you ready to begin an animal adventure? Here is a list of animal webcams for you and your children to enjoy.

Africam: A live look at the African wild via the site’s many Safari Cams. (a Thorpe family favorite!)
Houston Zoo: Check out these live webcams for sneak peaks at the giraffes, flamingos, chimpanzees, elephants, and rhinos.
Monterey Bay Aquarium: Choose among severe webcams including birds, sea otters, penguins, as well as the open sea.
Panda Cam: See the pandas in action at the San Diego Zoo.
Toledo Zoo: Seals, hippos, polar bears, and elephants 24/7
UStream Animals: Live footage of eagles, owls, hummingbirds, and birds.

Photo credit: ucumari via photopin cc

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