World Wildlife Day / Platypus Hunting Challenge
Platypus Hunting Challenge
Children learn that a platypus closes its eyes underwater and finds food with its sensitive bill, then hunt for hidden objects in a tub using touch alone.
How to run it
- Explain that a platypus shuts its eyes, ears and nostrils underwater and senses prey through its bill.
- Fill a tub with water, sand or dried leaves and hide small objects such as plastic bugs, shells and pebbles.
- Have a child close their eyes and feel through the tub for 30 seconds.
- Let them guess each object by touch before looking.
- Swap turns and talk about which objects were easiest and hardest to identify.
You will need
- large tub
- water, sand or dried leaves
- small hidden objects such as plastic bugs, shells and pebbles
- timer
Make it easier or harderYounger children can peek if needed and use larger objects; older children can time themselves and sort finds by texture.
SafetySupervise water play closely, use objects too large to swallow for younger children, and tip out water afterwards.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 4, Outcome 3Children use their senses to investigate and connect a real animal adaptation to their own experience.
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