Hedgehogs

Introductory Facts

Watch the one-minute video (in Gaelic), "Còig Criomagan Gràineagan"

Activity 1

Hedgehogs are 5-12 inches (12-30cm) long, with a coat of sharp spines, and will curl into a ball when they feel threatened. The spines are made out of keratin, which also makes hair and nails. Use playdough to form balls, and stick toothpick spines into them.

Curriculum areas: 

Activity 2

Hedgehogs hibernate, and are nocturnal. Darken a room by turning off the lights and closing the windows, and practice moving around in the dark. Hide wooden eggs around the darkened room to find.

Curriculum areas: S05a, S05b, S07a

Lunch Snack

Hedgehogs are carnivores and eat bugs and eggs, but they're lactose intolerant. Make "spider eggs" for lunch used halved hard-boiled eggs, topped with an olive and strips of carrot for the legs. Make sure not to use milk!

Curriculum areas: S13a, S13c

Activity 3

Watch the four-minute video: "Dèan Fhèin E: Gràineag", and then make a paper hedgehog.

Curriculum areas: M08e