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      Respond to nocturnal animals through modelling materials

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can respond to images of nocturnal animals through modeling materials

      Key learning points

      1. Sometimes artists will take inspiration from the shapes and textures they see in nocturnal animals.
      2. Artists can make shapes and textures from three-dimensional materials.
      3. Artists can use their hands and other tools to create three-dimensional shapes and textures.

      Keywords

      • Nocturnal - being active at night and sleeping during the day

      • Texture - the feel or appearance of a surface

      • Shape - the form of something made by a line around the outer edge

      Common misconception

      There is only one spiky texture on a hedgehog.

      A hedgehog has a spiky texture, but also has soft, furry ears.

      Teacher tip

      Teachers are advised to explore the work of recommended artists prior to sharing with pupils, to ensure images are appropriate for their context.

      Equipment

      Sketchbooks, pencils, playdough, modelling tools

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these materials might be best for making a model like this one?

      An image in a quiz
      paint
      glue
      Correct answer: playdough
      crayons

      Q2.
      Which of these animals comes out and is active at night?

      dog
      pigeon
      Correct answer: bat
      duck

      Q3.
      What do you think this hedgehog might feel like to touch?

      An image in a quiz
      Smooth
      Scaly
      Furry
      Correct answer: Spiky

      Q4.
      An owl usually comes out at .

      Correct Answer: night, night time

      Q5.
      Match these to make the full sentences.

      Correct Answer:Bats are usually,active during night time.
      Correct Answer:We can use playdough for,making models.
      Correct Answer:We can shape playdough,by using our hands.
      Correct Answer:Hedgehogs have,spines on their skin, so they feel spiky.

      Q6.
      We can use our to shape play dough.

      Correct Answer: hands, fingers

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Nocturnal animals are active at and sleep during the day.

      Correct Answer: night, night time

      Q2.
      Which animal is known for using echolocation to navigate in the dark?

      Fox
      Owl
      Correct answer: Bat
      Hedgehog

      Q3.
      All nocturnal animals do not have the same textures. Can you match the animal to its texture?

      Correct Answer:Fox,Furry
      Correct Answer:Owl,Feathery
      Correct Answer:Hedgehog,Spiky

      Q4.
      Foxes, owls, bats and hedgehogs are all , meaning they are active at night.

      Correct Answer: nocturnal

      Q5.
      Match the animal to its characteristics:

      Correct Answer:Owl,Night vision and can fly.
      Correct Answer:Hedgehog,Has a spiky texture.
      Correct Answer:Fox,Night vision and long bushy tail.
      Correct Answer:Bat,Uses sound to find food.

      Q6.
      What shape is commonly found in the ears of a bat?

      circle
      Correct answer: triangle
      square
      rectangle

      To help you plan your 2 art and design lesson on: Respond to nocturnal animals through modelling materials, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...