Prowling Polar Bear

Prowling Polar Bear lesson plan

Show support for preserving threatened and endangered species! Create a replica of a polar bear with Crayola Model Magic®.

  • 1.

    The United States, Canada, Denmark, Norway, and the Soviet Union signed an agreement in 1973 to protect polar bears. Each country either banned hunting or established rules for how many polar bears could be hunted within its own boundaries. These rules help keep polar bear populations stable. Today, between 25,000 to 40,000 polar bears roam the Arctic. Global climate changes may mean big changes for the habitat of polar bears. What you can do to help protect arctic animals? Research the issues, find pictures, and then sculpt a replica of one of these magnificent creatures.

  • 2.

    Create a base form for your polar bear by crumpling aluminum foil into a shape that resembles the creature’s body. Cover the foil with a thin layer of Crayola Model Magic® compound.

  • 3.

    Flatten more layers of compound to make icy, thick fur on its back, shoulders, and chest. Cut rounded or jagged sections with Crayola Scissors. Feather the edges with a toothpick. Press the slabs into place on the bear.

  • 4.

    Shape and add ears, a tail, and other features using more Model Magic compound. Use bits of Black Model Magic material to make nose, eyes, and claws. Model Magic® dries to the touch overnight and dries completely in 2 to 3 days.

Benefits

  • Students become familiar with efforts to preserve wildlife to secure the survival of valuable species.
  • Students research information on how climate changes are affecting polar bear habitats in the arctic.
  • Students sculpt realistic replicas of polar bears.

Adaptations

  • Create a 3-D globe of the world using a large foam ball and Crayola Paint. Cut out paper shapes of endangered species and color them with Crayola Markers. Glue each species to its appropriate location on the globe.
  • Find out what kind of environment polar bears live in, what foods they eat, and how they spend their days. Prepare a report. Create dioramas in which to display polar bears in their natural surroundings. Display reports and dioramas together.
  • Study other endangered or threatened species and write poems about how important it is to protect them.
  • Assessment: In groups, students brainstorm practical ways to have an active role in conservation. Pick a method and implement it as a group project!