Connections - Where Are The Bison?

MathCatchers PreK - Grade 8 Measurement - Connections

Where Are The Bison? Plains Camp

Social Studies

Research and explore the life of bison to write a report. Consider the folowing questions:

How did the Métis and the Plains people use the bison?
How did the Plains people hunt?
Who did the hunting?
Where did bison roam?
What are the physical characteristics of bison?
What did bison eat?
Who were bison predators?
Create a map showing where bison live in Saskatchewan, Western Canada, or North America. Create a map using statistics from 1900 and 2000 to compare numbers and habitats?

More Mathematics

Use the life-size pictures of the prairie animals to measure perimeter and area of each animal.
Compare the average life spans of all the animals in the mural by creating a timeline. Examine reasons for the differences (size, predator/prey, habitat, food source etc.).

Language Arts

Write a story about your life as a bison. You were born June 16, 2004. Include a timeline of your first year of life.

Music

Using the melody from 'Home on the Range,' create new words with a bison theme. Be prepared to perform the new song to others. Other melodies could be substituted.

Drama

Re-in act a bison hunt based on research from the sites below. Add costumes, props and music to the presentation.

Health

Is bison (buffalo) meat readily available in your community today? Research the nutritional value of this meat. Why did the Plains Indians depend so much upon this large animal for survival? Does present day society use the same parts of the bison as effectively? If bison meat is available, host a cooking and tasting party. Graph taste opinions.

Technology Integration

Understanding of the role of the bison can be extended by researching the animal and writing a report.
The following web sites will help students with their research.

The Bison	Excellent information on the bison: easy to read
The Plains Indians	Many topics are covered including the bison.
Bison Central	How many ways was the bison used? Research the usefulness of this animal.
American Bison	General bison information with more links
The Bison Hunt	Examine the different methods used to hunt the bison.
Friends of the Prairie	Short interesting bison facts
Bison Statistics and Information	Bison vital statistics; uses; how the Plains Indians hunted and used bison
Virtual Diorama	Watch bison move and gather historic information.
Nature: American Buffalo	This site provides more resources for research information on the bison.
Facts of Other Animals	Research a variety of other Canadian animals.