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Deer in The Yard

Secondary, Elementary, Middle

Description

This engaging outdoor activity will allow students to experience first hand the stress that winter places on many of our iconic animal species.  Building on the Late February Nature Guide's example of white-tailed deer this simulation allows students to further investigate some of the species' key adaptations for winter survival.

Students become white-tailed deer and measure the physiological stress that navigating deep snow has on their bodies.  Analysis and discussion of the data students collect, presents a clear picture of the importance of deer yards.

 

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

In addition to providing a meaningful outdoor learning opportunity in February, this activity should be of particular interest to teachers exploring ecosystems, limiting factors, population dynamics or adaptation during the winter months.

The activity will also prove useful for physical education and outdoor pursuits teachers as well.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

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  • Alberta
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    • Grade 5
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        • Movement Skill Development: Developing physical literacy through movement and active living supports well-being across a lifespan.
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions and Ecosystems
  • British Columbia
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    • Grade 11
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      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 11: Complex roles and relationships contribute to diversity of ecosystems
      • Physical Education & Health
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        • Physical and Health Education - Outdoor Education: Spending time outdoors allows us to develop an understanding of the natural environment and ourselves
    • Grade 12
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        • Physical and Health Education - Outdoor Education: Spending time outdoors allows us to develop an understanding of the natural environment and ourselves
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        • Specialized Science 12: Biodiversity is dependent on the complex interactions and processes between biotic and abiotic factors
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        • Senior 2 Science: Dynamics of Ecosystems
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        • Introduction to Environmental Science 120: An Overview of Environmental Science
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        • Science 1206: Sustainability of Ecosystems
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        • Science 2200: Ecosytems
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        • Physical Education: Activity
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        • Science 10: Sustainability of Ecosystems
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        • AP Environmental Science: Populations
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        • Interactions and Ecosystems
  • Ontario
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        • Science 431A: Life Science, Sustainability of Ecosystems
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        • Physical Education 4: Active Living
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        • Science 7: Life Science: Interactions within Ecosystems
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        • Science 10: Climate and Ecosystem Dynamics
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        • Physical Education 20: Outcomes
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      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 11: Complex roles and relationships contribute to diversity of ecosystems
      • Physical Education & Health
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Physical and Health Education - Outdoor Education: Spending time outdoors allows us to develop an understanding of the natural environment and ourselves
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Physical Education & Health
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Physical and Health Education - Outdoor Education: Spending time outdoors allows us to develop an understanding of the natural environment and ourselves
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Specialized Science 12: Biodiversity is dependent on the complex interactions and processes between biotic and abiotic factors

Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (3)

  • Appreciating the Natural World
  • Carrying Capacity
  • Wildlife Protection

Land Use & Natural Resources (1)

  • Forests