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Mammals:
Mammals and Their Ways

Grade Level: 6-8

Summary: Students will learn about where mammals live and how they adapt to their environments. Students will spend time observing, colecting data, and analyzing mammal behaviors. They will work in groups to present their results.

View the Lesson Plans for this Unit
View the Content Standards


Download Related Documents:
Biome List
Mammal Distribution Worksheet
Mammal Adaptation/Behavior Presentation Scoring Guide
Behavior Data Sheet


Activity 1:
Where are Mammals Found?
Students will research biomes and will investigate and compare the types mammals found in each biome.

Featured video clips in this activity:

Prairie Dogs
One of the first inhabitants of North America, the prairie dog still occupies a very important place in the ecosystem.

Activity 2:
Mammal Adaptation
Students will observe how mammals have adapted to the environments in which they live.

Featured video clips in this activity:


Oregon Bats
Oregon is home to numerous species of insect-devouring bats, most of which very little is known about.


Activity 3:
Mammal Behavior
Students will spend time observing and recording the behaviors of animals and present their observations to the class.

Featured video clips in this activity:

Border Collies
Highly intelligent border collies, bred especially for sheep herding, are often trained to compete using their herding skills.


Oregon Coyotes
Though some consider them pests, others contend that coyotes are misunderstood, and the trouble they cause people is a result of our own behavior.