Big Cats Around the World

Introduction

Hello, Junior Zoologists! Today, we are going to be taking a look into the lives of our planet's big cats. These amazing animals are known for their power and speed, as well as their beauty. In this Web Quest we will be researching four different big cats: lions, cheetahs, tigers and leopards. With your partner, you will dive head first into the lives of these beautiful creatures and learn more about their lives. With the knowledge you gain, you will be able to confidently discuss the similarities and differences of these creatures! So get ready Junior Zoologists and let the learning begin!

Task

Junior Zoologists, your task for this exciting adventure will consist of three tasks!

Task 1: You and your partner will learn about these big cats: leopards, cheetahs, tigers and lions.

Task 2: You will use the knowledge you gain to create a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting the two big cats of your choice!

Task 3: You and your partner will create a scientific diagram showcasing what you learned about one of the big cats you researched. This diagram should show what you learned and include labels.

You will find this important information by accessing several web sites that I have provided for you! So, lets find out more about these incredible creatures!

Process

Step 1: Researching Big Cats Around the World

 

  • Using the following Websites, research these big cats with your partner!

 

Lions: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/lion

Tigers: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/tiger

Cheetahs: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/cheetah

Leopards: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/leopard

Videos: 

Clever Cats and Their Amazing Abilities

Big Cats!

 

While you are researching, pay close attention to things like where these big cats live, what they eat, how they hunt and what they look like. These will be facts that you can use to compare and contrast in Step 2!

 

Step 2: Comparing and Contrasting your Big Cats!

Now that you have done your research, it's time to use your knowledge to show the similarities and differences in the two big cats you chose.



 

  • Using the Venn Diagram that I have provided for you, take the information that you have learned and use it to compare and contrast the two big cats that you chose to focus on. You can use these questions to help guide you for this task!

 

  •   What do your chosen big cats look like? (size, fur color, etc.)

 

  •   What do they eat? 

 

  •   Where on our Earth do they live? 

 

  • Do they live together or do they live on their own?

 

Step 3: Create Your Scientific Diagram!

 

  • Using what you learned, create a scientific diagram containing the following information.

 

  1. A drawing of your chosen big cat

  2. A background that represents where they live 

  3. A drawing of what they eat 

  4. Labels to show the different parts of your diagram       

 

Remember, a scientific diagram should always contain labels and should be done as realistically as possible!     

      

 

 

Evaluation

Junior Zoologists, your work will be graded on the following work:

  1. Your Venn Diagram: Your Venn Diagram should include at least three differences and similarities of your chosen two big cats. Remember to use the guiding questions to help ensure that you have the information that you need!

 

  1. Your Scientific Diagram: Your diagram should include the following.

 

  1.  A drawing of your chosen big cat

  2. A background that represents where they live 

  3. A drawing of what they eat 

  4. Labels to show the different parts of your diagram   

  5. An exciting fact about your big cat

 

Conclusion

Great job, Junior Zoologists! You have now become experts on telling the differences and similarities of these amazing animals! You can now confidently have discussions and share information with others on what yo have learned. Now that you have the skills to research animals on the internet, what are some other types of animals that we could closely compare like the big cats?

Credits
Teacher Page

My name is Seth Kovar and I am a first grade teacher from Reno, Nevada. Though I have taught all the way to 8th grade, I have found my happy place with the younger students. Their love and desire to learn keeps me on my feet and figuring out new and interesting ways to engage them in the classroom. Besides teaching, I find joy in hanging out with my wife, my 7 year old and my dog. We tend to find ourselves outside in our free time, rock climbing, hiking or just enjoying the wilderness.