Exploring the Elk of Cataloochee Field Trip Worksheet for Age 11

Instructions

1. Before the field trip, read the safety rules and complete Sections 1–2.
2. During the field trip, observe elk from a safe distance. Do not approach, feed, call to, or touch an elk.
3. Use quick notes, tally marks, and sketches to record evidence. Never enter a restricted area.
4. After the field trip, complete the data questions and explain what your observations show.
5. Remember: Wildlife observations can be different for every group. Answers based on careful evidence may vary.

Field Trip Mission

You are a junior wildlife scientist visiting Cataloochee Valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Your mission is to learn how elk behave, how they interact with their habitat, and how people can protect them.

Learning goals:

• Identify elk as mammals and describe some of their adaptations.
• Record observations in an organized way.
• Explain how living and nonliving parts of a habitat are connected.
• Practice safe and responsible wildlife viewing.
• Use evidence to make a reasonable conclusion.

1. Before You Go: What Do You Know?

Circle the best answer.

1. Elk are:

   • A. reptiles
   • B. mammals
   • C. insects
   • D. fish

2. Which body feature helps an elk chew tough grasses and plants?

   • A. Antlers
   • B. Hooves
   • C. Flat grinding teeth
   • D. Feathers

3. A habitat provides animals with food, water, shelter, and:

   • A. sunlight only
   • B. space to live and raise young
   • C. television
   • D. clothing

4. Why should visitors stay far away from elk?

   • A. Elk are wild animals and may react unpredictably.
   • B. Elk cannot see people.
   • C. Elk need visitors to feed them.
   • D. Elk always want to play.

5. Which observation is the most useful scientific note?

   • A. The elk was cool.
   • B. The elk was probably thinking about lunch.
   • C. At 10:15, one elk stood beside the meadow and grazed for five minutes.
   • D. I liked the elk.

2. Elk Adaptation Match-Up

Write the letter of the best meaning beside each elk feature.

Hint: An adaptation is a feature or behavior that helps an organism survive in its environment.

3. Wildlife Viewing Safety Check

Put a check mark next to every safe and responsible action.

• ____ Watch elk quietly from a safe distance.
• ____ Feed an elk so it will come closer.
• ____ Keep dogs and other pets under control according to park rules.
• ____ Use binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens.
• ____ Move between an adult elk and its calf.
• ____ Leave plants, rocks, and other natural objects where they are.
• ____ Follow signs, ranger directions, and trail rules.
• ____ Shout to make an elk look toward the camera.

Explain one reason feeding wildlife can be harmful.

4. Observation Log

Record what you actually observe. If you do not see an elk, record signs of elk or another animal instead.

Example row:

Your observations:

5. Look Closely at the Habitat

During the field trip, look for living and nonliving parts of the elk habitat.

Choose one connection from your table and complete the sentence:

An elk depends on __ because it helps the elk ____.

6. Elk Behavior Tally

Use tally marks while watching. Add the total after the observation period.

Example: Grazing: |||| = 4

1. Which behavior did you record most often? __

2. What evidence supports your answer? ____

3. Did the elk change behavior when people, vehicles, or other animals appeared? Explain what you observed.

7. Read the Landscape Like a Scientist

Cataloochee Valley includes open meadows surrounded by forested mountains. Use your observations and your knowledge of habitats to answer.

1. Why might an elk use an open meadow?

2. Why might an elk move toward trees or forest edges?

3. Name one possible resource an elk may find in each place.

4. Predict: If a meadow became covered by thick forest, how might that affect elk? Give one possible effect and explain why.

8. Evidence-Based Conclusion

Use the sentence starters to write a short field scientist conclusion.

Question: How does Cataloochee Valley provide a suitable habitat for elk?

My claim: Cataloochee Valley is a suitable habitat for elk because __

Evidence from my observations: I observed ___

Reasoning: This evidence shows that _____

9. Quick Review

Fill in each blank using these words: mammals, habitat, adaptations, evidence, distance

1. Elk are __ because they have hair and feed milk to their young.
2. A place that provides an organism with what it needs to survive is its __.
3. Thick fur, hooves, and strong legs are examples of elk __.
4. Scientists use observations as __ to support conclusions.
5. Wildlife viewers should keep a safe __ from elk.

10. Optional Challenge: Be a Park Planner

Imagine that you are helping protect elk and visitors in Cataloochee Valley. Design one rule or improvement for the area.

My idea: _____

This would help elk because: __

This would help visitors because: __

Answer Key

1. Before You Go

1. B. mammals
2. C. Flat grinding teeth
3. B. space to live and raise young
4. A. Elk are wild animals and may react unpredictably.
5. C. At 10:15, one elk stood beside the meadow and grazed for five minutes.

2. Elk Adaptation Match-Up

1. B
2. A
3. D
4. C
5. E

3. Wildlife Viewing Safety Check

Safe actions:

• Watch elk quietly from a safe distance.
• Keep dogs and other pets under control according to park rules.
• Use binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens.
• Leave plants, rocks, and other natural objects where they are.
• Follow signs, ranger directions, and trail rules.

Feeding wildlife can make animals lose their natural fear of people, become dependent on human food, or approach roads and people. It can also cause illness or unsafe behavior.

4. Observation Log

Answers will vary. Responses should include specific details such as time, number of animals, behavior, location, and evidence.

5. Look Closely at the Habitat

Answers will vary. Accept reasonable connections supported by habitat knowledge. Examples include:

• Grass provides food.
• Trees or shrubs may provide cover or shade.
• Water helps elk drink and supports plants they eat.
• Soil supports plant growth.
• Sunlight helps plants grow.

6. Elk Behavior Tally

Answers will vary based on the learner's tally marks. The most common behavior should match the largest total, and the explanation should refer to recorded evidence.

7. Read the Landscape Like a Scientist

1. An open meadow may provide grasses and other plants to eat, space to move, and a clear view of the surroundings.
2. An elk may move toward trees or forest edges for shade, cover, shelter, or access to different plants.
3. Possible answers:
   • Meadow: grasses or other food plants
   • Forest edge: shade, shelter, or shrubs
   • Stream or wet area: drinking water and nearby plants
4. Answers will vary. A strong answer explains that losing meadow space could reduce available food or open movement areas for elk.

8. Evidence-Based Conclusion

Answers will vary. A strong response includes a claim, a specific observation, and reasoning that connects the observation to food, water, shelter, space, or another habitat need.

9. Quick Review

1. mammals
2. habitat
3. adaptations
4. evidence
5. distance

10. Optional Challenge

Answers will vary. Accept ideas such as wildlife-viewing signs, protected meadow areas, slower driving near wildlife, ranger education, or limits on feeding and approaching animals. The learner should explain how the idea helps both elk and people.