Wild Animal World: Mountain Lions

All of the content presented in this animal science class is factual and has been researched through at least three current scientific resources and aligns with Next Generation Science and Common Core ELA standards-based curriculum guides. (CCSS for speaking/listening standards and NGSS for science standards.) This class and its activities can provide a great way to develop, enrich or follow a learner's interests, as well as supplementing any afterschool or homeschool learning program. 

Specific lesson related learning goals include:
1. Students will learn facts about the physical characteristics of the mountain lion such as size, features, diet and habitat. 
2. Students will learn how scientists use these characteristics to compare and classify a species like the mountain lion. 
3. Students will learn why conservation of mountain lions is important and what is being done to prevent the extinction of this species. 
4. Students will also learn new vocabulary words related to the study of mountain lions.

I have a BA in Elementary Education and my credentials are uploaded to Outschool. I taught classroom science to both preschool and elementary aged students for almost twenty years before coming to the Outschool online platform. As a child, I developed a strong love of nature and animals through books and hands-on experiences. As a teacher, I'm constantly reading, researching and learning everything I can about wild animal conservation and the natural world.

There will be optional educational materials available in the classroom after class for learning extension. This class and its activities can provide a great way to develop, enrich or follow a learner's interests, as well as supplementing any afterschool or homeschool learning program. 

** After class, a link to a fun, simple test-your-knowledge Kahoot quiz will be shared in the comment section on the classroom page.  This is optional and NOT a part of the live class experience. Younger learners might need help with reading and answering. It is a private link, no account necessary.

45 minutes per week in class, and an estimated 0 - 1 hours per week outside of class.

Here are the science resources I used as SOURCE MATERIAL to develop the science lesson for this class. They are NOT used as third-party teaching tools:

San Diego Zoo: Mountain Lion/Cougar/Puma information and species guide
Defenders of Wildlife/Mountain Lion
National Wildlife Federation/Mountain Lion
Oakland Zoo/Mountain Lion