Black Bears

Overview

Grade: 1st

Topic: Life Science

Standard: 1.LS.1 Living things have basic needs, which are met by obtaining materials from the physical environment.

Students will be introduced to the topic of living things have basic needs by learning about why black bears live in the forest.

Format

• Video lesson on Black Bears (4:50)

• Activity- create a lunch for a black bear

• Get Outside! Activity

• Extensions

Materials

• Blank paper

• crayons/colored pencils

• miscellaneous craft materials

Activity

After students watch the Black Bears lesson video, have them create a "lunch menu" for a bear. Students can write out or draw pictures of food items they learned black bears need to survive, and create a diet for a bear. This project can take on more of an art/craft as well. Encourage students to be creative!

Review black bears eat:

• Plants

• Insects

• Other animals

• Honey

Schedule a follow up virtual Q&A with your county educator to answer further student questions!

Get Outside! Activity

Students select a place outside (yard, park, schoolyard) and observe the area for 5 minutes. Have students think about how this area might or might not meet the needs of a black bear. In words or pictures have them show:

• Types of food

• Types of shelter

• Any water sources

• How much space is available?

Extensions

Reading These readings are free with registration on ReadWorks, a nonprofit that provides Common-Core-aligned readings. All readings include comprehension questions.

• Keeping Bears Out

• A Baby Polar Bear Grows Up

Questions? Please contact your county SWCD educator