www scotland lantra co uk/schools P7 - S2 August 2025 Edition
Activity
Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Outcomes and Experiences
Wildlife Scenarions
Social Studies:
SOC 2-08a: I can discuss the environmental impact of human activity and suggest ways in which we can live in a more environmentally-responsible way.
SOC 3-08a: I can identify the possible consequences of an environmental issue and make informed suggestions about ways to manage the impact
Science:
SCN 2-02a: I can use my knowledge of the interactions and energy flow between plants and animals in ecosystems, food chains and webs
SCN 3-05b: I can explain some of the processes which contribute to climate change and discuss the possible impact of atmospheric change on the survival of living things.
Duration
Materials 20 min
Copy of A Window Into Outdoors pages 12 - 13 Animal Care Environment Worksheet Pens/pencils
Activity Instructions
1.Introduction: "Today, we're going to think about animal care, but not just for pets. We're going to focus on wild animals living right here in Scotland, and how their care is linked to our environment."
2 "When you think of wild animals in Scotland, what comes to mind? And why might they sometimes need help or 'care' from people?"
3.Prompt for ideas: Think about animals you see in your gardens, parks, or even on walks in the countryside.
4.Write down ideas on the board: (e.g., hedgehogs, birds, foxes, deer, red squirrels, seals, badgers. Reasons: injured, trapped, orphaned, habitat loss, litter harm).
5.Activity: Wildlife Scenarios. Split the class into pairs and small groups and give them a big sheet of paper.
6 Instructions:
Ask the pupils to discuss the three scenarios that they are presented with.
Ask them to write down their answers as a group and be prepared to share with the class
Emphasise that a healthy environment is crucial for healthy wild animals.
7.Scenario A: “Imagine a hedgehog struggling because there aren't many safe places for it to find food or sleep in a town. What environmental problems might cause this?" (Expected answers: too much concrete, not enough green spaces/gardens, neat gardens with no wild corners).
8.Scenario B: “Think about a bird getting tangled in litter, like plastic packaging, near a river. How does litter in our environment affect animals?" (Expected answers: physically harms them, pollutes their habitat, can be mistaken for food).
9 Scenario C: “If a forest where red squirrels live is cut down, what happens to the squirrels? How is this an environmental problem?” (Expected answers: lose homes, lose food, fewer trees mean less oxygen, habitat destruction).
10."So, knowing that our actions affect wild animals and their environment, what are some simple things we can do to help right here in Scotland?" Write down ideas: (e.g., don't litter, plant native trees/flowers, create wildlife-friendly gardens, keep cats indoors at night sometimes, learn about local wildlife, support wildlife charities, reduce plastic use).
11 Wrap-Up: Briefly summarise that caring for Scotland's environment directly helps care for its amazing wild animals.
Read the scenarios below and discuss them in your groups. Write down your answers.
