This brief article describes the findings of a recent study about the changes in migratory patterns of various Arctic animals.
Students can observe an animated map that shows the migrations of different species in a year.
Students will learn about some of the changes observed in eagles, caribou, and other species due to changes in the timing of spring and fall, changes in temperature, or changes in precipitation.
Teaching Tips
Positives
The animated time-lapse maps of different species is very helpful and engaging.
The studies referenced in the article reinforce the importance of long-term data collection and the scientific method to answer important questions.
Additional Prerequisites
Students should be familiar with the terms migration, offspring, species, predator, prey, and climate change.
You must be a member of the AAAS to read the full Science article linked in the resource and the AAMA link in the resource goes to a page that says it is in "draft" form.
Differentiation
This resource could be used to introduce the changes in the Arctic that are affecting the people who live there as well, presenting cross-curricular opportunities with geography, social studies, and history.
This resource could be used to introduce changes in animal behavior observed in the oceans or in other regions as well.
Students can activate prior knowledge about Arctic species and apply their knowledge about climate change to the observations in the studies.
Scientist Notes
Resource is valid and recommended for teaching.
Standards
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 2: Geography
D2.Geo.2.6-8 Use maps, satellite images, photographs, and other representations to explain relationships between the locations of places and regions, and changes in their environmental characteristics.
Dimension 3: Developing Claims and Using Evidence
D3.3.6-8 Identify evidence that draws information from multiple sources to support claims, noting evidentiary limitations.
Dimension 3: Gathering and Evaluating Sources
D3.2.9-12 Evaluate the credibility of a source by examining how experts value the source.
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Reading: Science & Technical Subjects (6-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.4 Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 6-8 texts and topics.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.10 By the end of grade 10, read and comprehend science/technical texts in the grades 9-10 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., quantitative data, video, multimedia) in order to address a question or solve a problem.
