An ADorable Cactus Hotel Craft For 2nd Grade

2nd grade Next Gen Science standards talk about Ecosystems.  One big concept in this unit is interdependence!  Here’s a look at the book, activity and cactus hotel craft that I used to build understanding about interdependence within an ecosystem.

The Cactus Hotel Read Aloud & Research

We start by reading this awesome trade book about the cactus ecosystem in the desert.

As we read, we chart all of the biotic and abiotic parts in this ecosystem.  I also add arrows to show how some of these parts depend on each other as well as the cactus.

The Interconnectedness of The Cactus Hotel

Then, we do a cut and paste activity to show the interconnectedness of the cactus hotel.

Next, we write about our own cactus hotel. We brainstorm who we depend on in our lives and how we depend on them (mom for dinner, house for a warm place to stay…). And we also talk about anyone or anything that depends on us (pets for food, bedroom for cleaning…).

The Cactus Hotel Craft Activity

We also make this cute cactus craft to display with our writing.  

Here’s how I made this 3D cactus craft!

I cut out the templates from the ecosystems unit.  I cut 3 large green ovals and two small green ovals.  Plus, I cut 3 brown pots.

I folded the large ovals in half and then glued the halves together so that it made a 3D cactus.

I used a black crayon to add the lines and ridges.

Next, I cut small lime green triangles to add a few spikes to the cactus.

Finally, I added a pink tissue paper flower to the top and stapled the brown pots around the base.

This 3D cactus will stand up or you can put a string through a top hole and hang them! If you want to display the cactus with your cactus hotel writing, you can also make a 2D version to glue above the writing!

Where Can I Find The Cactus Hotel Craft & Ecosystems Unit?

All of these templates, charts, and The Cactus Hotel craft can be found in this second grade Ecosystems Unit.