Title of Book: “Nature’s Paintbrush”
Author: Susan Stockdale
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 0-689-81081-4
Grade Levels for Recommended Use: 5th Grade
TEKS
(9) Organisms and environments. The student knows that there are relationships, systems, and
cycles within environments. The student is expected to:
(A) observe the way organisms live and survive in their ecosystem by interacting with
the living and non-living elements.
(10) Organisms and environments. The student knows that organisms undergo similar life
processes and have structures that help them survive within their environments. The student is
expected to:
(A) compare the structures and functions of different species that help them live and
survive such as hooves on prairie animals or webbed feet in aquatic animals;
Brief Summary: This book describes the patterns found in different organisms that are essential
for survival in their specific habitat. Different types of species are illustrated in the book to
reinforce to readers that patterns and colors are necessary for survival. This book includes
structures and habitats of different plants, animals, insects, amphibians, reptiles, and birds.
Materials needed: White paper, construction paper, colored markers, pens, pencils, descriptions
of animal or plant, “Nature’s Paintbrush” by Susan Stockdale.
Suggested Activity:
1. Read “Nature’s Paintbrush” by Susan Stockdale to students.
2. Put students in groups of 3 or 4.
3. Give each group a description of a plant or animal that includes their description, what
they eat, what eats them, and their niche.
4. Students will have to work together to design a habitat suitable for this wildlife to
survive. They will also need to show adaptations the animal may need to have for
survival.
5. Groups will share their designs to the class
Animal Descriptions:
Bull Frog
Description: The largest frog in North America may grow up to 6-8 inches, legs may add another
7-10 inches to length. They are green to brownish in color with dark spots, large eyes and
webbed feet.
What I Eat: Large insects, worms, tadpoles, minnows, snakes, crustaceans, frogs, aquatic eggs,
small mammals.
What Eat Me: Humans, herons, hawks, snakes, turtles, raccoons, and kingfishers.
Niche: Secondary consumer, predator, keeps down populations of insects, minnows, and smaller
frogs and toads, prey for many animals.
Coyote
Description: Large (18-40 pounds) mammal with light brown to grey fur with reddish sides, pale
belly and a busy tail with black tip.
What I eat: mice, rabbits, squirrels, and other small mammals, birds, snakes, deer carrion, insects
and frogs.
What Eats Me: Coyotes are top predators, when they are dead they are eaten by decomposers and
scavengers. Young pups may be eaten by great horned owls, golden eagles and mountain lions.
Niche: Top predator/tertiary consumers, carnivore, keeps down populations of rabbits and
rodents.
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
Description: Named for their fluffy white tail, these rabbits are grayish brown with rust behind
their ears.
What I Eat: Grass, wildflowers, tree bark and garden crops.
What Eats Me: Everyone! Hawks, bobcats, coyote, snakes, owls, eagles, and many more.
Niche: Primary consumer, herbivore, prey for many animals in the food web, most preyed upon
animal in North America.
Tricolored Heron
Description: Medium sized heron about 26 inches tall with a long neck and beak, blue-grey
feathers, white belly and front of the neck. Young birds have rust on neck and wings. Long
plumes are seen on head and back during breeding season.
What I Eat: Frogs, fish, minnows and aquatic insects
What Eats Me: Great horned owls, golden eagles, and alligators, and when dead they are eaten
by decomposers and other scavengers.
Niche: Secondary consumer, carnivore, predator that keeps down populations of frogs and fish.
References and or websites: “Project WILD” a K-12 Curriculum and Activity Guide,
“Kritter Kards”- www.wildlifephotocontest.com
Adapted by (Annisa Longoria, 2013)