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Mammoths of the Ice Age
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Viewing Ideas
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Before Watching
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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.
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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
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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.
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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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