Moose

Class Description:

The moose of northern Minnesota were nearly extipated due to hunting pressure and habitat loss in the early 1900's. Find out why and how this happened. Learn about the adaptations and the life cycle of this magnificent creature, and gain an appreciation for the management necessary to Insure its continued existence in our forests and wetlands.

Total time: 50 minutes
Audience: 4th grade through adult
Activity level: easy
Travel: none
Total uphill travel: none

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Moose evening program students will be able to:

Explain the importance of wolves in maintaining a healthy moose population.

Describe the life cycle of the moose.

Understand the form and function of antlers.

Minnesota Graduation Standards

The Moose evening program will provide students with guided practice, in an authentic setting, to support the following Graduations Standards. We have chosen one to three “major focus” standards per grade level. Due to the holistic nature of environmental education, several other standards, not listed here, are addressed as well.

H.S. Sciences Concepts in Biology, A. Understand biological change over time, interdependence of organisms, material cycles and energy flow in living systems and the behavior of organisms.

6-8th Sciences : Living Systems, Understand animal diversity, adaptations, populations, and ecosystems. Understand the dynamic effect of humans interacting with the environment.

6-8th People and Cultures: Current Issue Analysis, 1. Demonstrate understanding of the history, facts and controversy regarding an issue and the values, beliefs and emotions surrounding an issue by identifying specific situations illustrating the impact of a the issue.

4-5th Sciences: Living and Non-Living Systems, 1,3,4 Understand characteristics of animals, cycles and patterns in living organisms. Understand how human behavior and technology impact the environment.

(April 1998 GS edition)

Wolf Ridge Curriculum Concepts

• All living things acquire physical and behavioral adaptations to be successful in their environment.
• Extreme disease, predation, weather or habitat loss can reduce populations below carrying capacity.
• Predator/Prey relationships are an example of coexistence in a balanced ecosystem.

Classroom Connections*

• Journal page download
• Pre-visit activities
• Post-visit activities
• Links to Moose information and activities on the web

*requires Wolf Ridge password