Teacher Packet Recommended for grades K–12 1997 Acknowledgements This packet was developed by Margaret White and Terry O’Connor in Woodland Park Zoo’s Education Department. Additional assistance and classroom-testing of activities in this packet were provided by Woodland Park Zoo’s Teacher Advisory Council. Table of Contents Background Information East Africa……………………………………………………………… 3 Ecology ………………………………………………………………… 5 Geology …………………………………………………………….. 5 Climate ……………………………………………………………… 6 Grasses …………………………………………………………….. 7 Kopjes ………………………………………………………………. 8 What Affects Savanna Vegetation?………………………........... 8 Animals: Survival on the Savanna…………………………………… 10 Feeding Behaviors……………………………………………........ 11 Camouflage…………………………………………………………. 15 Time of Activity……………………………………………………... 16 Migration…………………………………………………………….. 17 Social Living………………………………………………………… 17 Native Tribes of the Savanna…………………………………..……. 19 Nature’s Balance………………………………………………………. 20 Humans and the Balance of Nature……………………………… 21 Introduced Species………………………………………………… 22 Zoos and Conservation……………………………………………. 23 Status of the Savanna Habitat ………………………………………. 23 Habitat Conservation ……………………………………………… 24 Eco-tourism…………………………………………………………. 24 Native Involvement in Eco-tourism………………………………. 25 Research……………………………………………………………. 26 The Future of the Savannas……………………………………… 27 Migration Route Map………………………………………………….. 29 Fascinating Facts……………………………………………………… 30 Animal and Plant Fact Sheets………………………………………… 31 Vocabulary……………………………………………………………….. 53 References……………………………………………………………….. 55 Activities………………………………………………………………….. 59 Dear Teacher, The savannas of East Africa boast the world’s largest herds of migratory hoofstock, some of the world’s greatest predators and the largest land animals currently roaming the earth. The savannas are also home to many animals seldom seen or recognized. Life on the savanna is a delicate balance and the lives of the plants and animals of the region are intricately interwoven with one another and their environment. This packet has been designed to help you teach your students about the East African savannas and the balance of nature. The packet can be used to help prepare students before coming to the zoo to tour on your own or to participate in a program set in the zoo’s African Savanna bioclimatic zone. The packet can also be used on its own if you are unable to visit the zoo but still want to study savannas. Multidisciplinary lessons that support Washington’s Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) and Environmental and Sustainability Education standards are included to assist you in developing your curriculum. The background information enclosed was designed to familiarize you with the ecology and conservation of the plants and animals of the savanna ecosystem and to help you develop student lesson plans. The background information was designed to increase your familiarity with the topic. However, you may choose to distribute some of the materials to older students. This teacher packet is intended for use with students in grades K-12. A variety of activities have been provided; however, not every activity is appropriate for all ages. Grade level suggestions are provided for each lesson but we encourage you to share with us your suggestions for activity adaptations so that we might share the information with others. Please see the Education section of the zoo’s website (www.zoo.org) for more information or to register for a self-guided visit or a school program at the zoo. We hope this packet will help make learning about life on the African savanna a rewarding and enriching experience. Sincerely, Woodland Park Zoo Education Department .