March Mammal Madness: The Ultimate Animal Showdown

March Mammal Madness (8-Week Course)
Following the Arizona State University Curriculum for High School Students
Welcome to the world of March Mammal Madness! Over the next eight weeks, we’ll embark on an epic journey into the lives of mammals from around the globe. This course, based on the Arizona State University curriculum, combines science, critical thinking, and competitive fun as we explore the traits, survival strategies, and incredible adaptations of different mammal species. Throughout the course, you’ll participate in a thrilling, bracket-style tournament where mammals face off, and you’ll use everything you learn to make predictions and analyze outcomes. Let’s dive in!

Week 1: Introduction to Mammals & the Tournament Setup
We’ll start by exploring what makes mammals unique, from their warm-blooded nature and fur to live births and more. After that, we’ll introduce the March Mammal Madness tournament and its bracket, where you’ll meet the mammal competitors. From the fastest to the strongest, you’ll begin researching your favorite mammals, diving into their characteristics and deciding who will be your top contenders.

Week 2: Animal Adaptations and Survival Strategies
What does it take for an animal to survive? In this week, we’ll focus on the adaptations that help mammals thrive in their environments. How does a cheetah’s speed help it hunt, and what makes the polar bear so well-suited for the Arctic cold? You’ll start thinking critically about how these traits influence battle outcomes, and we’ll discuss the importance of survival strategies like camouflage, defense mechanisms, and predation.

Week 3: Anatomy & Physiology of Mammals
This week, we’ll dive deeper into the anatomy and physiology of some key mammal contenders. We’ll explore how their physical structures, such as muscle power, sharp teeth, or echolocation, give them an advantage in the wild. Understanding these features will help you refine your predictions for the upcoming matchups. How might the powerful jaws of a tiger compare to the strength of a gorilla?

Week 4: Ecosystems and Mammal Habitats
Every mammal has a home, and the environment they live in plays a major role in shaping their survival. This week, we’ll examine the ecosystems and habitats of the mammals in the tournament. From jungles to deserts to deep oceans, we’ll discuss how different environments influence the behavior and physical traits of animals. Understanding these habitats will help you make informed decisions about which animals have the upper hand in the tournament.

Week 5: Behavior, Social Structures, and Communication
What makes a mammal truly successful? Social structures, communication, and behavior all play a role in survival. This week, we’ll explore how animals interact with each other, from hunting strategies to mating rituals and territorial behavior. Understanding these behaviors will help you predict how animals might fare in their battles. Does a wolf pack have a better chance of winning a battle than a solitary leopard?

Week 6: The Science of Predation and Defense
In the wild, it’s a constant battle for survival. This week, we’ll study predation and defense strategies in mammals. How do animals hunt, and what do they do to avoid being hunted? We’ll look at how different mammals use speed, strength, and intelligence to defend themselves or capture prey. Your knowledge of these strategies will help you refine your tournament predictions as the battles heat up.

Week 7: Final Predictions and Analysis
As we near the final week of the tournament, it’s time to put everything together. You’ll review all the knowledge you’ve gained about mammal anatomy, behavior, habitats, and survival strategies to make your final predictions for the remaining matchups. What’s your strategy for choosing winners? Are you relying on strength, speed, intelligence, or adaptability? Your analysis will be put to the test as the final rounds unfold!

Week 8: The Grand Finale & Reflection
In the final week, the tournament culminates in a thrilling showdown! We’ll watch the last matchups and see which mammal takes home the crown. Then, you’ll have the chance to reflect on the entire competition and discuss how well your predictions lined up with the actual outcomes. What surprised you about the results? What did you learn about mammal behavior, survival, and the science behind each battle? We’ll wrap up by celebrating the knowledge you’ve gained and the strategies you’ve developed throughout the course.

Throughout this course, you’ll engage in interactive activities, group discussions and research projects to deepen your understanding of mammalian biology and behavior. You’ll develop critical thinking skills while learning about the incredible diversity of mammals and their survival tactics. By the end of the course, you’ll be a March Mammal Madness expert, equipped with the knowledge to analyze real-world animal behaviors and apply them in a fun, competitive context.

Get ready to learn, predict, and cheer for your favorite mammals as they battle it out in the ultimate showdown!