Format
1. Introduce polar bear habitat: the Arctic.
2. Compare and contrast polar bears and penguins with an interactive game and live animal (not a polar bear or penguin).
3. Power point presentation about why bears are such an amazing group of mammals and how polar bears can survive in their unique habitat.
a. Activity will also have biofacts
4. Using photos and video, introduce Kali, the polar bear at the Saint Louis Zoo
a. Describe the story of Kali’s journey to the Saint Louis Zoo – read “Kali’s Story” by Jennifer Keats Curtis
b. Discuss Kali’s life and care at the Zoo.
5. Conclude with a polar bear song, questions, and a final video clip of Kali.
Objectives
The participants will:
• Make a prediction, test it and explain the results
• Explain how polar bears get water, food and shelter at the Zoo and in the wild.
• Name various body parts of mammals (fur, warm blooded, feed milk) and explain how marine mammals like polar bears use them to survive in their habitat.
• Compare how animals adjust to the seasons and temperatures at the Zoo vs. in their native habitat.
Standards Alignment
National Standards
Next Generation Science Standards: K-LS1.C, K-ESS3.A.C; 1-LS1.A,B; 2-LS4.D, 2-ESS2.C
State Standards
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations: III – 1A (1) a, 1D (K) a, 1D (1) b,d; IV – 1A (K) a, 1A (1) a: VII-1A (K,1,2) a, 1B (K,1,2) a, 1E (K,1,2) c