Texas Panhandle
Bison
K - 2 Activity - Teacher Directions
Background:
Bison is the correct term for this animal that was hunted by Native Americans. The animal resembles another animal found in Europe and called a buffalo. Early English settlers mistakenly called the Bison a buffalo. They have brown pelts and shaggy hair that sometimes covers its horns. It also has a shaggy “beard.” There is a hump over the shoulders. The bison has four stomachs or compartments to help digest its food!
Materials:
- Light blue construction paper or cardstock
- Ground coffee (cheap brand)
- Glue
- Outline of bison
- Crayons and markers
- Various shades of brown yarn cut into half inch pieces, one handful for each child
Procedure:
- Trace or Xerox the bison outline on to light blue construction paper or cardstock.
- Have students fill in the outline with glue, and then sprinkle ground coffee within the space with a spoon. The eye space and horns should be left empty.
- Color the horns and eye space with crayons or markders. Optional, glue a craft “wiggly eye” instead of coloring.
- Glue various pieces of brown yarn pieces to head and chin for the shaggy hair.
- Have students draw the grass background of the Panhandle that the bison graze on.
- The ground coffee adds an interesting texture and smell for the picture.
Additional Activities:
Create a bison “herd” on a wall or bulletin board with student created bison pictures, have students help you!.