Teacher's Guide - Bears Year 2000 and Beyond

Activity 8 - In Grizzly Country

Level
Intermediate/Advanced

Purpose

To understand the bears need for space

To understand how our activities in bear country impact bears and their need for space.

To investigate ways in which people and bears can safely share spaces.

Materials

Black board or large sheet of paper on wall
Chalk or markers
Bear First Aid Kit sheet
Article: Afterword from Bears by Kevin Van Tighem

Procedure

1. First, read aloud Afterword from Bears by Kevin Van Tighem.

a) What is this article about? Do you agree with the author’s opinion about people’s tendency to sensationalize our encounters with bears? Why does that happen?
b) In the situation described in this article what is the bear’s greatest need? (The bear needs space to move freely, uninterrupted by people.)

2. Compile a list of things we need to do to while visiting bear country to ensure both bears and humans remain safe.

a) Two popular activities are hiking and camping. Make two headings on board: When Hiking and When Camping
b) Brainstorm ideas for things people must do when undertaking each of these activities in places where bears are found. (Think about what to look for in the environment, how to let bears know you are there, how to handle food and garbage…)
c) Compare your list with the Bear First Aid Kit, a list of things suggested by Parks Canada and bear experts from across North America.
d) Next time you are hiking or camping in bear country, what will you do to encourage others around you to stay safe and keep bears safe?

Evaluation

Understanding of what it means to share grizzly habitat
Awareness of reality of possible bear encounters versus common myths

Curriculum Connections
Environmental Science; Social Studies

Introduction – Activities – Glossary – Guided Program
Whyte Museum – Bears: 2000 and Beyond Teacher's Guide

Activity 8 - In Grizzly Country
Level	Intermediate/Advanced
Purpose	To understand the bears need for space To understand how our activities in bear country impact bears and their need for space. To investigate ways in which people and bears can safely share spaces.
Materials	Black board or large sheet of paper on wall Chalk or markers Bear First Aid Kit sheet Article: Afterword from Bears by Kevin Van Tighem
Procedure	1. First, read aloud Afterword from Bears by Kevin Van Tighem. a) What is this article about? Do you agree with the author’s opinion about people’s tendency to sensationalize our encounters with bears? Why does that happen? b) In the situation described in this article what is the bear’s greatest need? (The bear needs space to move freely, uninterrupted by people.) 2. Compile a list of things we need to do to while visiting bear country to ensure both bears and humans remain safe. a) Two popular activities are hiking and camping. Make two headings on board: When Hiking and When Camping b) Brainstorm ideas for things people must do when undertaking each of these activities in places where bears are found. (Think about what to look for in the environment, how to let bears know you are there, how to handle food and garbage…) c) Compare your list with the Bear First Aid Kit, a list of things suggested by Parks Canada and bear experts from across North America. d) Next time you are hiking or camping in bear country, what will you do to encourage others around you to stay safe and keep bears safe?
Evaluation	Understanding of what it means to share grizzly habitat Awareness of reality of possible bear encounters versus common myths
Curriculum Connections	Environmental Science; Social Studies