Bear Quest

Introduction – Task – Process – Evaluation - Conclusion

Introduction

§ There are bears living everywhere in the Lake Tahoe basin. Chances are, you’ve seen them already, or will very soon. Do you like bears? Do you want bears to continue living in Tahoe? Do you think it is important to be Bear Aware?

Task

· Imagine yourself as a bear living in Lake Tahoe. You are a true local born and raised, and you love your mountain home. However, your life is in danger! Your mission is to find out what is threatening you and try to stop it! In order to do that, you need to become Bear Aware yourself.

1. What’s it like being a bear? Begin by researching bears and answering some basic bear questions.

2. What do you look like? Draw a picture of a Tahoe bear.

3. How can you help The Bear League protect you? Design a poster to inform residents and tourists about bears.

4. Voice your opinion. Write a letter to the editor of the Tahoe Tribune convincing everyone to become Bear Aware.

Procedure

Step 1 Researching bears

Click on www.tahoewildbears.org/ to find the answers to these questions:

1. What species of bear lives in Lake Tahoe?

2. How much do Tahoe bears weigh (approximately)?

3. How fast can a bear run?

4. Can bears swim and climb trees?

5. What do bears eat and where do they get their food?

6. What do bears do during the winter?

7. How do humans hurt bears? How do they help them?

Step 2 Bearing a resemblance?

Draw a picture of yourself in your Tahoe habitat. Look at pictures of local bears at www.ltwc.org. Use crayons (at least 5 different colors) and a 9”x12” piece of paper.

Step 3 Lend a paw

The Bear League wants to help you- why not lend a paw? Help them design a new poster informing residents and tourists about bears. Your poster should be informative and easy to read (no spelling errors). Use crayons or pens and a 12”x18” piece of paper. Fill the whole paper with a picture and important bear-related information.

Click on www.thebearleague.com to learn more about The Bear League and get ideas.

Step 4 Don’t just grin and bear it!

Write a persuasive letter to the editor of the Tahoe Tribune defending yourself! Explain why everyone needs to become Bear Aware. Let everyone know that without their help, your life and the lives of many Tahoe bears are in danger!

Use the outline on your worksheet to help you write your letter. Your letter should include at least three paragraphs, and be written in complete sentences. Check your spelling and punctuation.

Evaluation

Questions- Did you answer all 7 questions using the information available on the website?

Bear Self Portrait- Does your picture of a bear include a background and at least 5 colors?

Poster- Does your poster include a picture of a bear and a background that fills up the paper? Does your poster have important information about what people can do to help bears? Did you check your spelling and grammar? Is your poster interesting to look at and easy to read?

Letter to the editor- Does your letter show that you care about what is happening to you and your bear friends? Does your letter include facts about the bear situation in Tahoe? Does your letter address how humans are responsible for their garbage and should not feed bears? Is your letter at least 3 paragraphs long? Did you check your spelling and grammar?

Conclusion

· Congratulations! You are now Bear Aware! Thank you for doing your part to help the bears in Lake Tahoe!