Activity Overview
During the time of early humans, there were fascinating animals that are now extinct like ground sloths, mammoths and saber toothed tigers. In this activity, students will create a spider map that describes and illustrates extinct megafauna. As an extension activity, students can research the modern day relatives of these great creatures, and describe how we interact with them now.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map describing 3 different animals that lived during the time of early humans. Using school resources, conduct some research to learn more about ground sloths, mammoths, saber toothed tigers or other extinct megafauna.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create a 3 cell spider map with a header that names each animal, a caption that describes the animal and an illustration using appropriate scenes, animals and items. To find images that relate to Paleolithic times type “Early humans” or “Paleolithic”.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements: 3 animals, 3 illustrations, 3 captions.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
During the time of early humans, there were fascinating animals that are now extinct like ground sloths, mammoths and saber toothed tigers. In this activity, students will create a spider map that describes and illustrates extinct megafauna. As an extension activity, students can research the modern day relatives of these great creatures, and describe how we interact with them now.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map describing 3 different animals that lived during the time of early humans. Using school resources, conduct some research to learn more about ground sloths, mammoths, saber toothed tigers or other extinct megafauna.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create a 3 cell spider map with a header that names each animal, a caption that describes the animal and an illustration using appropriate scenes, animals and items. To find images that relate to Paleolithic times type “Early humans” or “Paleolithic”.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements: 3 animals, 3 illustrations, 3 captions.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Extinct Megafauna Activity
Engage students with a hands-on fossil discovery simulation
Bring extinct megafauna to life by setting up a simple classroom 'dig.' Hide printed images or small models of extinct animals in bins with sand or shredded paper. Let students excavate, identify, and record findings to build excitement and deepen understanding of paleontology.
Prepare materials and set up discovery stations
Fill several containers with sand, rice, or shredded paper. Bury images or models of extinct megafauna in each bin. Label each station with a number for easy tracking and rotation.
Guide students through the excavation process
Divide the class into small groups and assign each group to a station. Give students simple tools like brushes or spoons. Instruct them to carefully search for hidden items, just like real paleontologists.
Have students identify and record their discoveries
Once groups uncover an item, ask them to describe the animal, hypothesize about its features, and record their findings in a shared class chart or notebook.
Connect discoveries to modern-day relatives
Challenge students to research and present what modern animals are related to their finds. Encourage discussion on how these animals have changed and how humans interact with them today.
Frequently Asked Questions about Extinct Megafauna Activity
What is an extinct megafauna activity for middle school students?
An extinct megafauna activity for middle school involves students researching large prehistoric animals, such as ground sloths, mammoths, and saber-toothed tigers, and creating a spider map to describe and illustrate these creatures. This engaging lesson helps students connect with early human history and extinct species.
How do you create a spider map for extinct megafauna in class?
To create a spider map for extinct megafauna, select three animals, label each section with their names, add captions describing them, and include illustrations. Use school resources to research facts and images, then organize your findings visually with a central theme and branches for each animal.
What are some examples of extinct megafauna from the time of early humans?
Examples of extinct megafauna from early human times include the ground sloth, mammoth, and saber-toothed tiger. These large animals roamed ancient landscapes and are often studied to understand prehistoric ecosystems.
Why teach about extinct megafauna in a K-12 classroom?
Teaching about extinct megafauna helps students learn about evolution, adaptation, and the impact of environmental changes. It also sparks curiosity about Earth's history and connects students to the lives of early humans and extinct animals.
What modern animals are related to extinct megafauna like mammoths and saber-toothed tigers?
Modern animals related to extinct megafauna include elephants, which are close relatives of mammoths, and big cats like lions and tigers, which share ancestry with saber-toothed tigers. Exploring these connections helps students understand evolutionary relationships.
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