Arctic Animals of Alaska. First Grade Activity. Schools of California Online Resources for Education (SCORE): Connecting California's Classrooms to the World.

The Arctic is covered with ice and snow for most of the year. Animals that live in Alaska's arctic region must be able to survive long winters and very cold temperatures. Surprisingly, many animals live in the harsh, cold climate. This first-grade activity plan helps students learn about the animals of the far north. The plan gives six steps for students to follow to fulfill the task: (1) explains the process (the student is asked to help the park rangers at Denali National Park (Alaska)); (2) sets out the four activities (learn about the geography of Alaska; read about Alaska's arctic animals; write a poem; and write a descriptive report); (3) discusses evaluation; (4) presents a question for conclusion; (5) offers reflection questions; and (6) suggests extension activities. The teacher notes provide grade level; addresses California history/social studies and language arts standards, including curriculum strands; cites learning objectives; suggests length of lesson; and offers interdisciplinary connections for language arts, geography, science, and art. Lists teacher resources and Internet resources. (BT)