Polar Bear Lesson Plan

Homeschool Teacher - Lesson Plan & Newsletter
February 26, 2007
Today is Polar Bear Day!

Read about how the Polar Bears live at the San Diego Zoo.

http://www.helium.com/tm/184434/diego-founded-animals-housed

Discussion Questions:
1. Compare early zoos, which housed animals in cages, with modern zoos. Which do you think are cheaper in the short run?
2. Over a longer term?
3.Which provide a better view of the animals for visitors?
4. Which are better for the health and happiness of the animals?


Check out the Polar Bears of Polar Plunge in action http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/ex_polar_bear_plunge.html

Journal

DESIGN YOUR LAIR

Everyone needs their space -- the stuff in that space makes them feel comfortable and at home. Think about what it would be like to have to live in one room for the rest of your life. You can't leave it and all of the resources needed to keep you alive must be brought in. What kind of "space" and "stuff" would you need in the room, your habitat, to allow you to live in comfort?

Science

POLAR BEAR ADAPTATIONS

When designing habitats for new zoos, it's important to pay attention to the physical adaptations that make an animal successful in its natural environment. The polar bear has several adaptations that make it an incredible hunter able to withstand the intense cold in the Polar Regions. These adaptations include a thick layer of fur, about 11 cm of blubber, paws that help it paddle, and keen senses of smell and vision. These bears are exceptionally strong swimmers.

Another of the polar bear's adaptations for living in extreme cold is the black mottled skin underneath its fur. Scientists think the fur - which is actually transparent, although it looks white - acts like optical fibers that concentrate solar energy down to the black skin to help warm the bear.

Investigate how polar bears keep warm in their natural habitat in this science lab:

http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/2007/02/polar-bear-science-lab.html


Polar bears are in danger. Learn why.

http://www.helium.com/tm/184518/polar-trouble-polar-bears



Don’t Forget the Math Challenge!
http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/2007/02/math-challenge-february-27th.html

For more Free Homeschool Lesson Plans

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/ (k-3)

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