For this activity, we combined bamboo, rocks, and dirt to learn about panda bears!

By using these materials, we created habitats for our little creatures and learned a new word: omnivore!

Physiologically, giant pandas are carnivores — they are made to eat meat — but they prefer a vegetarian diet.

Herbivores are, by definition, anatomically suited to a plant-based diet.

The giant panda is no herbivore. He’s essentially a vegetarian, a carnivore that eats little meat.

Throughout the activity, your little explorers delighted in manipulating the materials, and providing the perfect home for their little panda bear.

Group projects (such this one) can help preschoolers develop a host of skills that are increasingly important in their budding development.

Properly structured, group projects can reinforce skills that are relevant to both group and individual work, including the ability to break complex tasks into parts and steps, refine understanding through discussion and explanation, and develop stronger communication skills.