 Subjects
Biology
Graphic Arts
Language Arts
Technology
Objectives
The student will:
-
Search the Internet using the links provided in the Scrapbook document, and remain on task 100% of the time.
- Create an electronic scrapbook that is focused on a single pronghorn topic that includes five pieces of information about the topic, and has a minimum of two graphics.
- Correctly reference all materials with 90% accuracy.
Materials
Computer and printer access
Computer lab
Attachment A—Preparing a Pronghorn Scrapbook (pdf)
Background
During their expedition from 1803 to 1805, Lewis and Clark first referred to pronghorn as antelope. Although the name stuck, it is biologically inaccurate. Pronghorn are unrelated to the true antelope of Southeast Asia and Africa and are unique to North America. Biologically, they are more closely related to goats. Their scientific name is Antilocapra americana.
Pronghorn are ungulates with deer-like bodies. They have pronged horns with sheaths that grow over permanent bony cores. These sheaths are shed and re-grown every year. Pronghorn are probably best known for being one of the fastest animals in the world–they can attain speeds as high as 60 miles per hour and sustain runs at 45 miles per hour. They are well adapted to life on the grasslands, eating forbs, grasses, and shrubs such as sagebrush.
Prior to the settlement of the American West, the pronghorn population was estimated to be approximately 35 million and ranked second only to bison. The herds were largely decimated during the second half of the 19 th century. Today, due to transplant programs and careful management, pronghorn number almost 500,000.
The Yellowstone pronghorn population is important both historically and biologically. It represents one of the few groups of native pronghorn that escaped extirpation during the late 1800s. The Yellowstone population was the source for reestablishing pronghorn populations in other areas. Biologically, the Yellowstone pronghorn appear to retain much of the genetic variation that was once widespread in the species. Today, the pronghorn population of Yellowstone is less than 250, about half of what it was in 1991. Research is underway to determine possible causes for the decline. Being small and isolated, the Yellowstone pronghorn population could face extinction from fairly common-place natural events, such as a severe winter or disease outbreak.
Discussion Points for Students
Why are pronghorn referred to as antelope? Why is the pronghorn well adapted to life on the grasslands? Why is the Yellowstone pronghorn significant? What events could lead to the extinction of the Yellowstone pronghorn?
Procedure
The instructor will:
- Provide a brief background using the above information.
- Review the rules for Internet usage and copyright according to the school’s policies.
- Direct students to read through the instructions on Attachment A.
- Allow students time to search the websites provided in Attachment A and to collect information and materials for their scrapbook.
- Instruct students to design and print a multimedia scrapbook using information and materials collected during their Internet search.
Assessment
Pronghorn Scrapbook Rubric (pdf) |
