Mammals of the Pacific Northwest
Additional Assignment Short Descriptions: This page explains the assignments in brief so that you may choose which you would like to do. Let me know what you intend to do as soon as you have decided. I may expand this list later so there is no need to select all of your assignments right away. Assignments are worth a total of 25 points each. Some activities have extra credit points.
Writing Suggestion: Several of these assignments call for the student to write a summary. I am interested in both the information presented by the expert (the author or the person in the video etc.) but I’m also interested in your opinion. As you write your summary, combine both the expert’s information and your opinion.
Elk Trip Drive to the Jewell meadows (roughly an hour west of Portland) and view the winter herd of elk. This assignment is worth 30 points (5 points extra credit plus the normal 25).
1. Visit the web site for information and directions: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/jewellmeodows.htm
2. There are several parking areas—if you don’t see the elk in the first area drive to the others.
3. Sometimes the elk are in fields off of Beneke Creek Road. Drive north on Beneke Creek Road where Beneke Creek Road crosses highway 202.
4. Bring a camera and take a picture of yourself at the elk fields so I can verify your visit.
5. Include in your field log two interesting things you learned about the elk (from the information at Jewell Meadows or other sources—not from our book, please)
6. Turn your field log in to me for grading.
Brent Nixon: Sea Otters, Seals and Sea Lions DVD This DVD is on reserve in the library. It is a recording of a presentation made by a biologist to an Alaskan Cruise audience. Brent Nixon is a little breathless in his presentation but aside from that, the details about these animals are fascinating and his presentation is captivating.
1. I’ve placed a video on reserve at the library. Go to the viewing room in the library and watch the video.
2. There are two sections that you need to watch: Sea Otters, and Seals and Sea Lions.
3. Take notes on the video as you would take notes in class. Turn your notes in to me for grading.
4. Points will be awarded based on the accuracy and detail of your notes.
David Attenborough’s Video Watch two sections of a video on reserve at the library.
1. I’ve placed a video on reserve at the library. Go to the viewing room in the library and watch the video.
2. There are two sections that you need to watch: The rise of Mammals, The Marsupials.
3. Take notes on the video as you would take notes in class. Turn your notes in to me for grading.
4. Points will be awarded based on the accuracy and detail of your notes.
Seals Trip Drive to the coast and see seals. This assignment is worth 30 points (5 points extra credit plus the normal 25).
1. On the north Oregon Coast, seals and sea lions will congregate on the docks. Drive to one of the towns to see, photograph and identify the seals.
2. Bring a camera and take a picture of the seals and you at the docks so I can verify your visit.
3. Include in your field log two interesting things you learned about the animals you saw (from any sources other than our book, please)
4. Turn your field log in to me for grading.
White-tailed deer at Julia Butler Hansen Refuge This assignment is worth 30 points (5 points extra credit plus the normal 25).
1. Drive to the Julia Butler Hansen National Wildlife Refuge
2. Bring a camera and take a picture of you at the refuge so I can verify your visit.
3. Include in your field log two interesting things you learned about the endangered Columbia white-tailed deer (from any sources other than our book, please)
4. Turn your field log in to me for grading.
Lecture Approved By Mr. Clark Attend a lecture that I have approved. This assignment is worth 30 points (5 points extra credit plus the normal 25).
Article: Raising the Dead This article is on my website or you may read it in the May-June 2002 Audubon magazine. The article discusses the issues involved in cloning extinct animals.
1. Read the article
2. Type a half to full page summary of the article and give it to me for 15 points.
3. At the end of class (you and I can decide which class) take a quiz (4 or 5 questions) about the article for 10 points.
Article: A Fist in the Eye of God This article is on my website or you may read it in the Aug-Sept 2002 Mother Earth News magazine. This article discusses genetic engineering (manipulating genes for benefit to humans) but also emphasizes the benefits of natural relationships between animals and plants.
1. Read the article
2. Type a half to full page summary of the article and give it to me for 15 points.
3. At the end of class (you and I can decide which class) take a quiz (4 or 5 questions) about the article for 10 points.
Make a bat house Using plans provided by Mr. Clark, begin constructing a bat house. Points will be awarded for progress made and for avoiding the pitfalls that will cause bats not to use your bat house (those pitfalls will be avoided by carefully following the instructions). Students must bring the bat house to me for grading. Novice woodworkers can earn 20-25 points for this—you need not be experienced.
Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Take steps to create a Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary.
1. Go to the Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary website http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/urban/index.htm.
2. Order the Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary packet.
3. During the course of the class take steps (as per the suggestions in the packet) to make a Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary in your yard. Take pictures of what you have done and write about what you have done. Points will be awarded depending on how much you accomplish. I suggest you speak with me as soon as you receive the packet and we can decide what you might do and how many points it will be worth. When you follow through on what you and I discuss, you will receive your points.
Your Idea If you have an idea for an assignment, I’ll consider it. Here are some things that I will consider as I evaluate your suggestion: