Owlkids

M O N A R C H B U T T E R F L I E S In spring, millions of monarch butterflies begin a two-month migration. Now scientists are using technology to track their journey and help save the species. On the Right Track butterflies embark on a online that show their routes. distance the butterflies travel. same distance? By what electronic tag to track animals have been tagged with about why scientists are trying trying to learn from the the animals? satellites in their research and Make a list of the pros and cons of topic online. planting milkweed that's native hatchling station. Go online monarchs. DLP-OA191 CONSULTANTS: JULIETTE DI FRANCESO & MATIDLE TOMASELLI, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY PHOTOS: DREAMSTIME (ALL) ILLUSTRATIONS: PAULA BECKER D I S C U S S I O N T O P I C S M U S KOX The mighty muskox can live in frigid darkness for months at a time. But can it survive climate change? The Great Survivors 1 The muskox can live in frigid darkness for months thanks to its double-layered coat. Choose another northern animal and research to find out what physical characteristics enable it to survive sub-zero temperatures. 2 Climate change is bringing unpredictable weather to the muskox's home and affecting the animal's ability to find food. Write a persuasive letter to a government official to request help for it or another animal that you've researched. State the problem and your stance on the issue. Include reasons for your stance and back them up with two or three pieces of evidence. 3 Muskoxen have been walking the Earth since before the last ice age! Choose one of the extinct animals from the text or find another and create an animal trading card. Include info such as size, habitat, diet, and fun facts. Include an artist's drawing if you can. Cards can be laminated and shared among the class. 4 After reading about muskoxen, summarize the main ideas in your own words. Then research to find a fascinating fact of your own. DLP-OA193 CONSULTANTS: JULIETTE DI FRANCESO & MATIDLE TOMASELLI, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY PHOTOS: DREAMSTIME (ALL); ILLUSTRATIONS: PAULA BECKER RECOMMENDED older grades FOR ACTING WILD A look at the surprising similarities between humans` and other animals` behavior 7-10 AGE 10-14 AGE WHY DO WE FIGHT? Battles, protests, standoffs and strikes—all are conflicts. But, they`re really just ways of handling a dispute. BooKS ANIMALS AT RISK This series looks at endangered animals in Canada and around the world. Each card explores the threats to their safety and the efforts being taken to ensure their survival. (Each pack contains 4 cards.) 8-14 AGE Discovery Learning Pack CONSULTANT: PARKS CANADA PHOTOS: PARKS CANADA; DREAMSTIME (TURTLE IN WATER AND CROPPED TURTLE) D I S C U S S I O N T O P I C S T U R T L E S Meet the Blanding's turtle. This North American reptile is a species at risk. But many researchers and conservation groups are working to help its population grow. In fact, you can lend a hand, too. Pull up a shell to learn about this turtle and how people are working to protect the species. Get on Track 1 Like all reptiles, turtles hatch out of eggs. Watch a Blandings turtle hatch in a video, such as this one: www.owlkids.coml turtles. 2 Blandings turtles are "threatened" in Ontario and Quebec, and "endangered" in Nova Scotia and some U.S. states. What is the difference between these two labels? What other terms are used to describe animals at risk? Write brief definitions for the terms. 3 What other North American reptiles are endangered? Choose one and research some of the conservation efforts underway to help that animal. Present your findings to the class. 4 Sometimes Blandings turtles are taken from the wild to be sold as pets. How does that threaten the turtle population? What is the difference between a wild animal and a pet? Discuss your ideas with a partner. DLP-OA194 CONSULTANT: PARKS CANADA PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES (LOON LEFT PAGE, TOP LEFT); DREAMSTIME (BOTTOM LOON, PIGGY BANK, DOLLAR COIN); MICHAEL HOUDE (FLYING LOON) D I S C U S S I O N T O P I C S L A K E S I D E W I T H L O O N S CALL OF THE WILD The common loon is probably best known for its call, which is unique to each bird. These loud calls can be heard at great distances and are used to attract mates, warn of danger, or defend territory. Its distinct call is one of the sounds of summer. Take to the lake and get to know the common loon. 1 xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx 2 xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx 3 xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx 4 xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx DLP-OA1

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