Instructions
- Read the scenario at the beginning of each section carefully to understand your role as a Junior Bear Biologist.
- Complete the activities in order, as they build upon your knowledge of the black bears of Cades Cove.
- Use a pencil for drawings and math so you can make adjustments as you observe new data.
- If you finish early, try the Expert Researcher Challenge at the end of the worksheet.
The Field Mission
Welcome to Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains! As a bear biologist, your job is to track the health, movement, and history of the American Black Bear population while ensuring visitors stay safe.
Section 1: History & Science (The Bear's Home)
Cades Cove was once a bustling farming community before becoming part of the National Park in 1934. Today, it is one of the best places to see bears in the wild.
Activity: Match the term to its correct definition.
- Omnivore | A) An animal that is most active during dawn and dusk.
- Crepuscular | B) The process of an animal spending the winter in a dormant state.
- Hibernation | C) An animal that eats both plants and meat.
- Conservation | D) The protection of plants, animals, and natural resources.
Section 2: Math (The Weigh-In)
Biologists use "Ear Tags" to identify bears. Below is your field data for the week. Calculate the average weight of the bears you tagged.
| Bear ID | Gender | Weight (lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example: CC-101 | Male | 250 lbs | Healthy adult |
| CC-102 | Female | ||
| CC-103 | Male | ||
| CC-104 | Female | ||
| CC-105 | Cub | ||
| CC-106 | Male |
Math Task: If Bear CC-102 is 175 lbs, CC-103 is 310 lbs, CC-104 is 160 lbs, CC-105 is 45 lbs, and CC-106 is 210 lbs, what is the Total Weight of all five bears combined?
Total Weight: _____
Section 3: English (The Bear-Wise Warning)
Many tourists visit Cades Cove. Your job is to write a short, persuasive "Field Journal Entry" or a "Public Service Announcement" (4-5 sentences) explaining why visitors must never feed the bears. Use at least three of these words: Habituate, Ecosystem, Safety, Distance.
Section 4: Art & Social Studies (Sign Design)
In the box below, design a Warning Sign for a picnic area in Cades Cove. It must use symbols (Art) to show people how to store their food properly to keep the park clean and the bears wild (Social Studies).
| (Draw your sign in the space below) |
|---|
Section 5: Physical Education (Biologist Training)
Fieldwork is exhausting! Biologists often have to hike through thick brush. Complete this "Bear Circuit" and check the boxes when finished:
- [ ] The Bear Crawl: Walk on your hands and feet (don't let your knees touch the ground) for 30 feet.
- [ ] The Lookout: Stand on one leg for 30 seconds (simulating looking through binoculars on uneven terrain).
- [ ] The Scramble: Do 15 jumping jacks to warm up for a steep mountain climb.
Section 6: Music (The Rhythm of the Woods)
Bears make various sounds: huffs, jaw-popping, and grunts. Hikers are also told to make noise (singing or clapping) so they don't surprise a bear.
Task: Create a 4-beat "Bear Warning Rhythm" using claps (X) and rests (-). Example: X - X X (Clap, Rest, Clap, Clap)
Your Rhythm: ___
Section 7: Expert Researcher Challenge (Optional)
Black bears are excellent climbers. If a bear climbs 3 feet every 2 seconds, how many seconds will it take for the bear to reach a branch that is 24 feet high?
Answer: _____
Answer Key
Section 1:
- Omnivore: C
- Crepuscular: A
- Hibernation: B
- Conservation: D
Section 2:
- Total Weight: 175 + 310 + 160 + 45 + 210 = 900 lbs
Section 3: (Answers vary) Example: Visitors must maintain a safe distance from wildlife. When bears are fed, they become habituated to humans, which is dangerous for the bear's safety. Let's keep our ecosystem healthy by keeping food locked away!
Section 4: (Visual task) Look for clear symbols like a bear-proof trash can or a "No Feeding" icon.
Section 7 (Challenge): 24 feet / 3 feet = 8 segments of time. 8 segments x 2 seconds = 16 seconds.