The Life of Beavers

The Life of Beavers is a classroom presentation on the life and behaviour of the North American beaver.  

Contents:

  • learn about:
  1. beaver architecture - how and why beavers change environment by building lodges, dams, canals, plunge holes, and food caches
  2. food - adaptations that allow beavers to harvest and digest plant material and change diets from winter to summer months 
  3. anatomy - amazing adaptations of beaver's teeth, eyes, ears, fur, feet, tail, and scent and oil glands
  4. predators - animals that prey and feed on beaver and beaver's defenses 
  5. reproduction - beaver family unit, how they relate, life spans and raising of beaver kits
  6. winter adaptations - preparations for winter and adaptations that allow them to survive harsh conditions
  7. rodent family - largest rodent species in North America
  • ten minute video 
  • look at mounted beaver, beaver skull, chewed logs and stumps

Set up:

  • two (2) tables
  • data projector/screen or a DVD player and TV

 

Online Resources:

"Facts About the Beaver" Blooket Game Link

Blooket is a review game similar to Kahoot.  Sign up a FREE account at blooket.com to host a game. Use the link provided HERE, choose HOST, then a Game Mode (start with CLASSIC for the first round).  A game code will be generated for players to join.  You will now be able to Host the game on a big screen and have the students join in on their devices (blooket.com/play) with the Game ID.

Beaver Lumberjacks
Awesome Beaver Video

 

Curriculum Connections  

Outcomes

Indicators

Grade 1

Science
LT1.1 Differentiate between living things according to observable characteristics, including appearance and behaviour.
h,i,j,l
 

Science
LT1.2 Analyze different ways in which plants, animals, and humans interact with various natural and constructed environments to meet their basic needs.
a,c,e,f,g,h,i,j
 

Science
DS1.2 Inquire into the ways in which plants, animals, and humans adapt to daily and seasonal changes by changing their appearance, behaviour, and/or location.
a,c,d,f

Grade 2

Science
AN2.1 Analyze the growth and development of familiar animals, including birds, fish, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals, during their life cycles.
b,c,e,f,g
 

Science
AN2.3 Assess the interdependence of humans and animals in natural and constructed environments.
a,d,e,f,g

Grade 4

Science
HC4.1 Investigate the interdependence of plants and animals, including humans, within habitats and communities.
a,c,f
 

Science
HC4.2 Analyze the structures and behaviours of plants and animals that enable them to exist in various habitats.
b,c,g
 

Science
HC4.3 Assess the effects of natural and human activities on habitats and communities, and propose actions to maintain or restore habitats.
e,j

Grade 6

Science
DL6.1 Recognize, describe, and appreciate the diversity of living things in local and other ecosystems, and explore related careers.
b,d
 

Science
DL6.3 Analyze the characteristics and behaviours of vertebrates (i.e., mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish) and invertebrates.
b,e
 

Science
DL6.4 Examine and describe structures and behaviours that help:
 
  • individual living organisms survive in their environments in the short term
  • species of living organisms adapt to their environments in the long term.
c,d,f,g,h,i

Grade 7

Science
IE7.2 Observe, illustrate, and analyze living organisms within local ecosystems as part of interconnected food webs, populations, and communities.
i,j,l