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Mammoths of the Ice Age
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Viewing Ideas
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Before Watching
During the Ice Age, the climate changed dramatically, glaciers covered much of the Earth, and extinct mammals roamed the planet. Give each student a piece of paper, and have them divide it into three columns: What I Know; What I Think
I Know; What I Want to Find Out about the Ice Age. Before they watch the video,
have students make notes in the appropriate column. As they watch, have
students look for information to add to their charts. Scientists believe that woolly mammoths adapted to the Ice Age climate by
growing fur. This trait developed over generations in response to changes in
the environment. As students watch the program, ask them to look for other
traits that may have helped mammoths adapt and survive in their changing
environment.
After Watching
Assign each student to research an animal that lived during the Ice Age. Once
the students have completed their research, ask them to post their findings for
the class to read. Then brainstorm ideas about why these animals are extinct.
Come up with at least ten ideas, and then narrow the list down to what the
class considers the three most reasonable choices. Ask students to defend their
final choices. Since the 1970s, the population of wild elephants in some African countries
has been rapidly decreasing. This program compares the extinction of mammoths
to the present threat of extinction to wild elephants. Write the word elephant
on the board. Ask students what words and concepts they associate with
elephants, and write them on the board. Then discuss the traits and behaviors
that might help elephants survive. Which traits and behaviors might hurt
elephants' chance for survival?
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