Polar Bear Adaptations

9th GradeScience88 min

Learning Objective

I can analyze the adaptations of polar bears to their Arctic environment.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

5 min

Polar Bears: Masters Of The Snow | Snow Animals | BBC Earth

BBC Earth

Guided Notes

18 min

Key concepts students will learn:

  • Polar bears have a thick layer of fat, about 10 centimeters thick, to keep them warm in the Arctic.

  • A polar bear's sense of smell is about 100 times stronger than a human's, helping them to hunt seals under the ice.

  • Polar bears have large paws, about 30 centimeters across, with soft bumps for grip, which act like built-in snowshoes.

Practice

26 min

12 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer & True/false & Fill in the blank

Exit Ticket

5 min

Describe two adaptations of polar bears that help them survive in the Arctic environment, explaining how each adaptation contributes to their survival.

Teacher Guide

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  • Answer keys for all questions
  • Differentiation strategies
  • Extension activities
  • Printable student handouts