Week 3 Lesson Plans Bears, Wolves, Coyotes, Deer

Lesson Plans

We are moving onto the science of snow and an animal unit study. We do our best to make learning as natural as possible, and as relevant to our local community as possible. Local animals of interest-Bears, Wolves, Coyotes, Deer.
The girls are convinced we have wolves in our county, so we will explore this idea and see where it leads us.

Bears, Wolves, Coyotes, Deer

Question- Do wolves live in Chautauqua County? In NY? If so, where and why? If not, why?

Additional Questions- Similarities between wolves and domestic dogs or compare and contrast.


Documentaries
Wolves: IMAX


We also subscribe to PBS Teacers: They sent me this link about White Wolf/White Falcon.

Additonal Resources
http://internationalwolfcenter.blogspot.com/
Mamamal Fact Sheet: MuskOx


We subscribe to Netflix for most of our documentaries and movies.

Movies
Spirit Bear: The Simon Jackson Story
"Based on a true story, this inspirational drama follows the passionate battle of Vancouver teenager Simon Jackson (Mark Rendall) to save an endangered bear. After being attacked in the woods, Jackson is rescued by a white Kermode bear -- a rare species known as the Spirit Bear. Learning of the Kermode's endangered status, the shy teen comes out of his shell and wages a political campaign to save them from extinction." From the Netflix description

Brother Bear
"In Disney's animated adventure, the son (Joaquin Phoenix) of an Indian chief killed by a bear vows vengeance but is transformed by spirits into the very thing he sought to slay. Seeing the world through a bear's eyes, the young man learns valuable lessons about the cycle of life" From the Netflix Description

We will watch Brother Bear and discuss the major theme(s) of the movie, the characters and how they relate to our own UU beliefs. We also discuss what our UU beliefs mean, using the list below and the following document. If your church does not have this pamphlet, I highly recommend picking it up and posting it in your homeschool area.
My 7 Principles
1. Each person is important.
2. Be kind in all you do.
3. We're free to learn together.
4. We search for what is true.
5. All people need a voice.
6. Build a fair and peaceful world.
7. We care for Earth's lifeboat.

Books-


Lesson Plan Ideas
http://www.discoveryeducation.com/teachers/free-lesson-plans/wolves-at-our-door.cfm

Issues that can be discussed when learning about animals:
Extinction- What does it mean when there are no living species left? Is it the natural order of the world? What will happen once they are gone?
Why do animals become extinct? Can it be avoided?

Endangered Species- What does endangered species mean? Once an animal is placed on the endangered species list, can it be removed? Why are some animals endangered? What issues effect an animals growth and ability to reproduce?

**Questions can be adapted to the age of the child. Most of my lesson plans are geared for my 9 and 6 yr old. My 9 yr old is also more science oriented, so she tends to focus on the science section, while my 6 yr old tends to look at it from a compassion/concern approach.



UU Values and Beliefs this Lesson Plan Reflects
* The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
* Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
* Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregation;
* A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
* The right of conscience and the use of democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
* The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all;
* Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.