Last updated: March 7, 2019
Lesson Plan
The Young Naturalist
- Grade Level:
- Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
- Subject:
- Literacy and Language Arts,Science,Social Studies
- Lesson Duration:
- 90 Minutes
- State Standards:
- ND State Curriculum Standards: SS.4.2.5; SS.5.2.4;
4-LS1-1; PE.5.3.2; PE.4-5.5.4; SS.8.2.5; SS.8.2.11; MS-LS2-4
Essential Question
How did the boyhood interests of Theodore Roosevelt influenced his conservationist attitudes in his later political career?
Objective
Students will be able to identify an interest of Theodore Roosevelt as a young boy. They will also be able to explain how his boyhood interests influenced his later attitudes towards conservation.
Background
As a young boy, Theodore Roosevelt showed a great fascination with the natural world. He would often collect and document specimens like insects, birds and other small animals, keeping detailed journals of his findings. Roosevelt even started his own natural history museum, and later donated many of his specimens to public museums. This activity will help introduce students to the natural world, and help them make connections between the childhood of Theodore Roosevelt and their own life.
Preparation
See attached Lesson Plan.
Materials
Lesson Plan
Procedure
Using the background information above, and/or other sources (listed at the bottom of this lesson plan), discuss with your class the interests of young Theodore Roosevelt. Highlight his fascination with animals and his creation of a natural history museum at an early age. Tell the students that today we are going to collect and catalogue some local specimens, just as Roosevelt did when he was their age. At the discretion of the teacher, students may work alone or in pairs/groups. Distribute “bug boxes” (can be as simple as plastic food containers). Take students to an outdoor area (schoolyard or nearby field/wooded area), and have them look for small insects or animals. Give ample time for your group to explore and grow comfortable in this new setting - some students will be well outside their comfort zone. Tell them to look under rocks, logs or plant material for fascinating creatures. You can also find a tree or shrub, spread out an old bedsheet underneath, and shake the plant to see what (or who) falls out. Once everyone has at least one specimen, bring them back to the classroom. Upon returning to your classroom, set the students to cataloging their finds. Depending on your available equipment, have students note things such as: size (length, width, height, etc.); weight; coloration; anatomy (describe body parts such as legs, antennae, eyes, etc.); behaviors or abilities (does it jump, fly, crawl, etc.); location found (on a tree or under a bush). They should also note the name, and may at this point be interested in researching the creature further. You can assist the students with taking a picture of their specimen before releasing it back into its natural environment.
Vocabulary
Conservation; Naturalist
Enrichment Activities
This lesson is designed as a pre-activity to the park's Distance Learning program, Theodore Roosevelt in the Badlands. At this time, the Distance Learning program is not officially advertised on the website. The park may be able to offer the program or supplemental materials if you are interested. Please call 701-623-4466 or email us for more information.