Science Worksheet · Grades 1–3
Nocturnal and Diurnal Animals Worksheet
A printable science worksheet for grades 1-3 on nocturnal and diurnal animals. Students learn that nocturnal animals are active at night and diurnal animals are active during the day, then sort eight animals and answer four short questions. A complete answer key is included.
Subject
Science
Grades
Grades 1–3
Skill Focus
Nocturnal and Diurnal Animals, life science
Lesson Length
20 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
Some animals are awake when we are asleep. A nocturnal animal is active at night and sleeps by day, often with large eyes or sharp hearing to help in the dark, while a diurnal animal is active during the day and sleeps at night. This worksheet helps young students sort animals into these two groups.
Section A on page 1 gives eight animals – an owl, a butterfly, a raccoon, a firefly, and more – and asks students to write nocturnal or diurnal for each. The reference box teaches the idea with a bat and a honeybee, which are not used in any item.
Section B on page 2 asks what nocturnal and diurnal mean, names an owl body part that helps in the dark, and asks whether people are nocturnal or diurnal. Page 3 is a complete answer key with sample answers. The skill connects to animal adaptations and habitats.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and ask students when they are awake and asleep.
Complete Section A independently – have students ask ‘is this animal out at night or in the day?’
Discuss the special traits nocturnal animals have, like big eyes and sharp hearing.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check.
Pair with the Animal Adaptations Worksheet or the Animal Habitats Worksheet.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Nocturnal and Diurnal Animals Worksheet
A printable science worksheet for grades 1-3 on nocturnal and diurnal animals. Students learn that nocturnal animals are active at night and diurnal animals are active during the day, then sort eight animals and answer four short questions. A complete answer key is included.
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