Lesson plan based on Amphora
Research and illustrate lion habitats to determine whether lions were likely to have lived in ancient Greece.
Skills and Focus: Biology, Geography, Earth Sciences
Subject Area: Science
Thematic Connection: Geography, Animals
Grade Level: Elementary School
Time Needed: 100 minutes
Objectives
• Understand the relationship between preferred habitats and where animals live.
• Evaluate the likelihood that a particular animal lived in a particular habitat.
• Practice using quality online resources.
• Practice reading and making inferences from topographical maps.
Instructional Materials Needed
Colored pencils, crayons, paper for drawing
Online Resources:
• http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/agarman/lion.htm
• Lincoln Park Zoo Species Data Sheet: African Lion: http://www.lpzoo.com/animals/mammals/facts/lion.html
• Topographical map of Greece http://www.lib.utexas.edu/Libs/PCL/Map_collection/europe/Greece_rel96.jpg
Activity
Step 1: Research the native habitats of lions, using the online resources listed above.
Step 2: Have students draw lions in their preferred habitat, using the Art Institute lions as models. Be sure students pay attention to representing the preferred prey, appropriate vegetation, and landscape.
Step 3: Have students research the geography of Greece using the topographical map.
Critical Thinking Ask students to
• describe the Greek landscape.
• indicate whether Greece has the grassy plains that lions prefer.
• conclude how likely is it that lions were ever native to Greece.
Goals
This activity meets Illinois State Goal 12: Have a working knowledge of the fundamental concepts and principles of the life, physical, and earth/space sciences and their connections.
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