WebQuest

PANDA BEARS

the ENDANGERED ANIMAL

A healthy, male panda bear stands 5-6 feet tall and weighs between 176-276 pounds. Its life span in the wild is thought to be 25 years or more but this is quickly decreasing. The panda bear is the most famous endangered animal. It can only be found in six small areas of China.

The panda bear survives on bamboo, which can only be found in cold, damp, forested areas. These areas are continuing to deplete due to factors controlled by the human race. The panda bear will remain in danger as long as their habitat decreases.

Task

The students will be divided into small groups of three to four people. Each group will be given the following passage:

You are a zoologist who works with panda bears. There are only 50-75 panda bears still alive in the wild. You need to find a way to expand these numbers and strive at getting the panda bear off the endangered animals list. What things need to be done to help the panda bear survive and multiply.

Here are some questions you can answer to help you get started;

1. Who/what is the panda bears greatest enemy?

2. What dangers do panda bears encounter?

3. What do panda bears eat?

4. How many pounds of food does a panda bear eat?

5. What climate do they need for survival?

6. What is the habitat of a panda bear?

Resources

Here are some sources to help you find information about the panda bear:

The Bear Den Giant Panda Bear Info Panda's Info Center The Panda Bear conservation of pandas

Process

*Search the above sites to find information on a panda bears need for survival.

*With this information, discuss what needs to be done to save the panda bear from extinction.

*Present your ideas through a slide show. It should be presented in a way that will persuade others to do all they can to save the panda bear.

Evaluation

*Have the students answer the questions that are listed under the task.

See in what direction the students are taking their thoughts, ideas and the overall process.

*Look at the creativity in the student's presentation

*See if the students have realistic ideas.

Conclusion

If we do not do something soon about the endangered animals of today, they will soon be on the extinction list. We need to protect these animals so that the children of tomorrow can enjoy their great beauty.

Nichole Nelson nwocken@prairie.NoDak.edu