Panda Curriculum Guides for Grades 5-8
Activity Overview and Objectives
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Activity 1
Animal
Classification
Using the giant panda as a guiding example, students will
figure out how to classify three wild animals from domain
down to genus and species (if possible).
Activity 2
Similar
Trees, Different Continents
Students will learn to identify local tree species that are
similar to those occurring in giant panda habitat in China
and prepare a leaf sampler showing four different types of
leaves.
Activity 3
Interview
Activity
Students will experience a broad array of viewpoints by collecting
other people’s views on panda conservation issues.
Activity 4
Giant
Panda's China Map Challenge
Students will research, plot on maps, and discuss Chinese
cities, physical features, population, and biodiversity issues,
with a special focus on the region in which giant pandas live.
Activity 5
Panda-monium:
A Survival Game
Students will experience "firsthand" the hardships
and fortunate times of the giant panda, with a particular
emphasis on conservation-related issues.
Activity 6
China Travel Convention
By assuming the role of China travel promoters, students will
learn about Chinese geography, geology, history, and culture–and
take a regional look at an expansive, complex country.
Activity 7
Giant
Panda Role Play and Debate
Through fact-based role play and rational, level-headed debate,
students will weigh the challenges and pros and cons of giant
panda conservation and land use in giant panda habitat.
Activity 8
Giant
Panda Behavior Watch
Objective & Overview: While at the Giant Panda Exhibit,
students will choose and observe one of the Zoo's giant pandas
and later "quantify" their "data" using
either a bar graph or pie chart.
Activity 9
Endangered
Species Survey
By researching the names, ranges, classification, and reasons
for decline of 20 endangered species from around the world,
students will learn more not only about the animals but also
geography, ecology, and taxonomy.
Activity 10
The
Bear Facts
By researching basic natural history information about the
world's bears, students will gain a better understanding of
the unique giant panda and how it stands apart from its relatives.
Activity 11
Giant
Panda Scrapbook
By perusing various media and assembling a scrapbook of press
clippings, students will learn about giant pandas, zoo programs,
and conservation.
Activity 12
Giant
Panda Song
Through song, students will create lyrics relating to giant
pandas and zoos.
Activity 13
Giant
Panda P.R.
By developing a class public affairs campaign, students will
increase their own awareness of conservation issues relating
to giant pandas and other wildlife.
Activity 14
Giant
Panda Heredity Exercise
Donning the imaginary coats of geneticists, students will
try their hands at identifying bear DNA strands to determine
the relatedness of species. While narrowly focused, this activity
provides ample avenues for expanding discussions about genetics
and zoo breeding.
