Have you ever seen a possum in real life?
Growing up in the country, I knew that they existed. But it took several years before I actually saw one scurrying away in the early morning hours.
It was like catching sight of Bigfoot.
I knew that there were animals that were awake when I was asleep at night, but to actually see one was memorable.
If you’re teaching students about animal sleep habits, this printable and digital Nocturnal and Diurnal Animals Sorting Activity can help!
Most kids love to learn about animals and my students are no exception.
So when we were starting to learn about these kinds of animals, I wanted to find a way to make a simple, hands-on activity they’d love to do.
Read on to see how to get your copy of this Nocturnal and Diurnal Animals activity!
And, for more fun with science, don’t miss our All About the Solar System unit!
Nocturnal and Diurnal Animals Sorting Activity
I remember learning about nocturnal animals when I was a kid, but we didn’t talk much about diurnal animals (at least not using the term “diurnal”).
So in case this term is fairly new to you as an educator, “diurnal” simply means that they are active during the day like you and me!
The printable activity is super duper easy. You’ll only need the following supplies: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)
- Color printer with ink
- Printer Paper
- Scissors
- Laminator (if you want to make a set that lasts)
It contains flashcards (pictures and labels) of 16 animals: eight are nocturnal and eight are diurnal.
Some of the animals in the product include:
- Hawk
- Gorilla
- Bee
- Raccoon
- Elephant
- Possum
- Butterfly
- Dog
- And 8 more!
At the back are four sorting mats for kids to separate the nocturnal animals from the diurnal animals.
Plus, there’s an answer key included as well as a full set of instructions.
You can also use this for a one-time learning Nocturnal and Diurnal Animals Sorting activity.
Just skip the laminating and have students cut and paste the animals on the correct mat.
If you use it at science centers, add hook and loop sticky dots to the back of the cards and onto the mat squares for easy reuse.
Kids’ Books about Nocturnal Animals:
Read more about nocturnal animals with these books for kids!
2. Where are the Night Animals? by Mary Ann Fraser
3. Moonlight Animals by Elizabeth Golding
4. Night Animals by Gianna Marino
Resources about Nocturnal Animals:
Learn more about these animals with these helpful websites!
2. Nocturnal Animals from Around the World – World Wildlife Fund
3. Seek and Find Nocturnal Animals Game – Sheppard Software
4. Nocturnal Animals Lapbook – Homeschool Share
And don’t miss these other science activities!
To get your copy of the printable Nocturnal and Diurnal Animals Sorting Activity, click the image or the link below to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
>>>Nocturnal and Diurnal Animals Sorting Activity<<<
Want to use this as a digital activity that students can complete from home?
Click the image or the link below to grab the digital Nocturnal Animals Sorting Activity for use with Google Slides!
>> Digital Nocturnal Animals Sorting Activity <<
Or get them both in a print and digital BUNDLE!
>> Print + Digital Nocturnal Animals BUNDLE <<
Be sure to check out all of the great Nocturnal Animal Posts from the 2nd Grade Blogging Team!
Bat Science Experiments: Echolocation Activities from Preschool Powol Packets
Creating Growing Patterns with Nocturnal Animals from Life Over C’s
Nocturnal Animal Report: Hedgehogs from Crafty Kids at Home
Bats in a Cave Sight Word Game from Creative Family Fun
Nocturnal Animals Writing Tray and Word List from Lemon Lime Adventures
