Lesson Plan

The Bear Essentials - Grades 1 and 2

Grade Level:: Lower Elementary: Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade
Subject:: Science
Lesson Duration:: 60 Minutes

Objective

Welcome to the Rangers in the Classroom—Bear Essentials presentation. This program introduces students to the American Black Bear. It provides a framework for understanding Black Bear habitat, diet, and life cycle. It also explains how human activity can have a negative impact on a bear’s natural behavior.

After completing this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Explain how sows communicate with their cubs.
2. List 2 types of food black bears eat.
3. List three things bears are.

Background

Bears capture our imagination as few other animals do. They have inspired stories and cultural icons such as Winnie the Pooh, Yogi bear, Paddington bear, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Smokey Bear, and teddy bears. They appeal to many of our emotions and values: fear, humor, grace and strength.

Seeing a bear in the wild is an unforgettable experience. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks—right in your backyard—is home to the American black bear, which is one of the 8 species of bears found in the world. Black bears are found only in North America. Today, we will learn about these fascinating bears and how our behavior influences bear behavior and how bearbehavior influences us.