Distance Learning

Prairie Animals and Habitats

Grade Level:
Lower Elementary: Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade
Subject:
Science
State Standards:
NATIONAL/STATE STANDARDS:
K-living vs. nonliving; 1-survival/habitats; 2-adaptations/endangered/extinct

Badlands National Park protects 244,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie habitat and the wild animals that live in it. Prairie vegetation is mostly grasses--find out why. Then take a look at some of the wildlife (including bison, pronghorn, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets) that have adaptations that allow them to thrive in the prairie environment.

Students participating in the in-class program may see and touch animal pelts, complete a puzzle, or complete a craft.

How to Participate

Teachers at schools within 80 miles of Interior, South Dakota can schedule a ranger to visit their class, while teachers at schools outside of the 80-mile range can schedule a distance learning video conference with a ranger.

Teachers should prepare their students accordingly. Students should have some understanding of Badlands National Park (location, mission, ecosystem) and some general background knowledge related to their program topic. Teachers may use materials provided from the links below, the specific pre-visit lesson plans, or their own lessons to best prepare their students.

Suggested pre-visit video

Additional resources

For more information contact the park.

 

Materials

Tags: biodiversity animals and plants ecology village wildlife biology environment

Last updated: July 13, 2021