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ScienceEngineering

Wildlife Crossing Commission

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Grades 3-560-75 minSource: Creative Dad Company

Kids study where model animals get hit crossing a busy road, then design and test a bridge, tunnel, or fence system to keep them safe. It connects real wildlife-conservation engineering to a satisfying, visual before-and-after model.

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Every level teaches the same core idea — pick the one that fits your time, budget, and energy today.

Prep: 10 minActivity: 45 min1 session~$2/groupOne table or a clear section of floorBeginner-friendly

Setup

Place common or recycled supplies for Wildlife Crossing Commission on one work surface and choose a safe area for the test. Read the four activity directions aloud; drawings, paper models, and household substitutes may replace specialized materials, and no digital tool is required.

Activity

  1. Set up a model road with toy cars and animals, then predict how often animals would safely cross without any crossing structure.
  2. Build a wildlife crossing, such as an overpass, tunnel, or fence system, out of cardboard and craft materials.
  3. Test the crossing by running toy cars past while animals attempt to cross, then redesign the structure when animals still get hit or refuse to use it.
  4. Present the final crossing design to the wildlife commission with data on how much safer the road became.

Done when: The group produces the Wildlife Crossing Commission solution, completes the described test, makes the revision called for by the evidence, and supports its final explanation with an observed or measured result.

Materials

cardboard, toy animal figures, small toy cars, ruler, tape, craft foam or clay, green felt for landscaping

Shown for the Quick Start version — switch tabs above to see what changes.

Disclosure: Materials links below go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, Creative Dad Company earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Steps

  1. Set up a model road with toy cars and animals, then predict how often animals would safely cross without any crossing structure.
  2. Build a wildlife crossing, such as an overpass, tunnel, or fence system, out of cardboard and craft materials.
  3. Test the crossing by running toy cars past while animals attempt to cross, then redesign the structure when animals still get hit or refuse to use it.
  4. Present the final crossing design to the wildlife commission with data on how much safer the road became.

Standards it satisfies

  • NGSS · 3-LS4-4

    Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change.