Paper plate polar bear
This activity is a fun way for younger children to learn about one of the most well-known animals in the Arctic, the polar bear.
Ages 3+
(adult supervision)
20 minutes
Part of:
AXA Ocean EducationThe polar bear is one of the iconic animals in the frozen north, and the world’s largest land carnivore. This activity focuses on how animals in the Arctic are suited to these colder environments, through insulation and camouflage.
To make this easier for young people, prepare all the materials in advance. This includes cutting circles out of white construction paper for the ears, and black circles for the eyes and nose. If you are using tissue paper rather than cotton wool balls, it may be easier if this were torn or cut up in advance.
Activity steps
- In advance, prepare the following for each child doing the activity. See the ‘What you’ll need’ tab for full details.
- Hand out the paper plates, one per child. Explain that this will be the polar bear’s face.
- Hand out the ears, cut from white construction paper. Stick these to the back of the paper plate using the glue.
- Use the cotton wool or tissue paper squares to cover the face and ears. This represents the polar bear’s fur.
- Add the eyes and the nose, gluing the black circles to the face.
- Add the mouth, created by bending the black pipe cleaner into a ‘curved w’ shape. This step is optional.
Reflection
- Why might a polar bear need thick fur?
- Why might a polar bear have white fur rather than black or brown fur like all other bears?
- How else might polar bears be suited to living in a cold climate?
Further ideas
The paper plate polar bear can be made into a mask by cutting holes for the eyes instead of adding the black circles, as well as adding a head band made from string or elastic.
Safety guidance
- All cutting should be completed in advance by adults
- Sticking should be supervised by an adult
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