In this project, you compare two different types of bears. You are required to submit this project to your teacher for marks. Very carefully, read the whole project and how to do it. Be sure to read the requirements and rubric, they explain the expectations for this project and how it will be marked. Click here if you need tips on how to create a good project!
Situation
A young elementary school friend recently told you that giant pandas and grizzly bears are almost identical to each other, because they are both bears.
However, you know that giant pandas and grizzly bears look quite different. Do they actually have much in common? How similar and how different are these two types of bears?
Project Task
Research the classification, niche, and adaptations of both giant pandas and grizzly bears.
Then, design a imaginative and creative way to teach children aged 5 to 9 the similarities and differences between giant pandas and grizzly bears.
Before you begin designing your teaching method, ask yourself these questions:
How can I find out more information about giant pandas and grizzly bears?
How can I communicate this information in a way that is easy for young children to understand?
Method
Research both giant pandas and grizzly bears. Sources of information include the following:
Reference books
News articles in newspapers and magazines or other publications
Websites
YouTube videos
Construct two tables to collect information. There is a download link at the bottom of this page if you wish to use tables that have been prepared for you.
One table will contain information about giant pandas; the other will contain information about grizzly bears. Make sure to complete the required categories listed in the sample tables below.
The tables must contain information summarized in your own words. Beside each piece of supporting information, list the source of the information. For example, insert the URL of any websites, book titles and authors, newspaper names and dates
of publication or names of people interviewed as your sources.
You must submit both research tables with your teaching method about giant pandas and grizzly bears.
Prepare a teaching method of your choice. Choose the way you would like to teach children about the similarities and differences between pandas and grizzly bears. Here are some ideas from which you can choose for your teaching method:
Write and illustrate a children’s story book. Draw pictures with pencil and paper, or use a computer drawing program such as Adobe Photoshop or Gimp.
Write a song. Record your song to share with your teacher.
Make a video or TV show. Use live acting, or stop-motion animations.
Create a board game.
Use other creative ideas, but check with your teacher first!
Requirements
You must clearly communicate the following information in your teaching method about giant pandas and grizzly bears:
Classify both the giant panda and grizzly bear using the Linnaeus Classification System. Include the Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species. Clearly indicate the point in the classification system where giant pandas and grizzly
bears become different from each other.
Describe the niche of both giant pandas and grizzly bears. You must describe whether each species occupies a broad or narrow niche. You must include the following information in your teaching method:
Where the species lives
Range of the species
What the species eats
Predators of the species
Interspecies competition with other organisms
Symbiotic relationships
Classify each species as either a generalist or a specialist. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of being a generalist or a specialist, for each species.
Note that when you submit anything to your teacher, PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME IN THE DOCUMENT TITLE. For example, you might title it something like this:
