Wolves

Class Description:

Wolves are one of the most controversial animals in North America, eliciting strong emotions from many people. This program traces human interactions with the wolf from fairy tale, to bounty hunter, to researcher. Physical characteristics and social behavior are examined. Wolf recovery efforts will be highlighted.

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

Outcomes

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

Summarize the importance of predators, like the wolf, in the food chain.

Describe the adaptations of the wolf.

Explain some reasons why people might fear and hate the wolf.

Identify ways to help insure wolf recovery in appropriate areas.

Minnesota Graduation Standards

The Wolves 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 2.1: Biological Concepts: Know 3-6: Understand biological change over time, interdependence of organisms, material cycles and energy flow in living systems and the behavior of organisms.

H.S. Sciences 2.5: Environmental Studies: Know 3,4,5: Understand the interactions between social and natural systems. Understand implications of changes in the environment: short term and long term, and at local, regional and global levels. Understand methods for citizen action.

6-8th Sciences M.1: Living Systems: Know 2,3: 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: Know 1,2: Know the history, facts and controversy regarding an issue and the values, beliefs and emotions surrounding an issue.

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

Wolf Ridge Curriculum Concepts

• All living things aquire physical and behavioral adaptations to be successful in their environment.
• Humans have agreat ability to alter natural systems and a responsibility to consider the effect of our actions.

Classroom Connections*

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

*requires Wolf Ridge password