Learning
about Idaho Mammals
suggested
grade levels: 9-12
view Idaho achievement standards for this lesson
Objectives:
1. Students will learn how
to use the Digital Atlas of Idaho.
2. Students will be able to describe the basic characteristics and biology of
mammals.
3. Students will become very knowledgeable on a mammal species of their choice.
4. Students will give an oral presentation on their selected species.
Procedure:
1. Give students the opportunity to use the Digital Atlas. To get there: Click on Atlas Home, mouse-over Biology, then click on Mammals.
2. Encourage your students to explore the mammal section, read the information,
and complete the worksheet below. For a printable pdf copy of the sample handout,
click below on 'Handout Sample'.
3. Tell your students to select a mammal. They can choose their own or you can
help them so they do not all choose the same species. Students will then use
resources including the Digital Atlas to do research on their species. Reports
should include information on the taxonomy (order, family, genus, species),
range, habitat, diet, ecology, reproduction, and conservation status of their
species.
4. Each student will give a short presentation on his or her animal to the class.
A map from the Digital Atlas can be used to present range or distribution of
a species in Idaho. Click on Atlas Home, then on Idaho
Maps. To print a species range map, students can print a map from any mammal
species page by clicking on the distribution map and going to file and clicking
on print frame.
Handouts/Activities:
These are links to access
the handouts and printable materials.
mam2ho.pdf
| mam2AK.pdf
| Mammals | Idaho
Maps
Handout
Sample:
The sample questions below are shown in the printed handout.
Mammals are an important part of the wildlife of Idaho and they play many different roles in Idaho's many habitats. This exercise will make you much more familiar with this interesting class of animals. Use your knowledge to answer the following questions completely and accurately.
1. What are the main characteristics that distinguish mammals from other animals?
2. What kinds of habitats can mammals live in?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being endothermic compared to ectothermic? Is one necessarily better than the other?
Related
Lesson Topics:
Biology: Mammals
Biology: Biology Topics