The Giant Panda Challenge – Teachers’ notes
Level
Rationale
This challenge is aimed at young people who are working at
Curriculum for Excellence Second Level.
This challenge will help children develop their thinking,
problem solving, ICT and teamwork skills.
They will also demonstrate greater knowledge and
understanding of the threats faced by giant pandas around
the world, particularly in the Sichuan region of China and the
steps that can be taken to ensure their future survival.
Effective communication will be essential if pupils are to find
solutions and complete the activities within the challenge.
Relevant Experiences and
Outcomes
I can discuss the environmental impact of human activity
and suggest ways in which we can live in a more
environmentally-responsible way.
SOC 2-08a
By comparing my local area with a contrasting area out-with
Britain, I can investigate the main features of weather and
climate, discussing the impact on living things.
SOC 2-12a
To extend my mental map and sense of place, I can
interpret information from different types of maps and am
beginning to locate key features within Scotland, UK,
Europe or the wider world.
More info on
SOC 2-14a
I can identify and classify examples of living things, past and
present, to help me appreciate their diversity. I can relate
physical and behavioural characteristics to their survival or
extinction.
SCN 2-01a
I can report and comment on current scientific news items
to develop my knowledge and understanding of topical
science.
SCN 2-20b
Having discussed the variety of ways and range of media
used to present data, I can interpret and draw conclusions
from the information displayed, recognising that the
presentation may be misleading.
MNU 2-20a
Relevant Experiences and
Outcomes
Relevant Learning Intentions
I can display data in a clear way using a suitable scale, by
choosing appropriately from an extended range of tables,
charts, diagrams and graphs, making effective use of
technology.
MTH 2-21a
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Glossary of Terms
To develop an understanding of the impact climate
change is having on the giant panda population
throughout the world and particularly in the
Sichuan region of China.
To develop an understanding of additional factors
that are having a negative impact on the giant
panda population.
To raise awareness of the various organisations
engaged in conservation efforts.
To inspire young people and to engage them into
taking action to help protect our planet and the
giant panda population.
Natural habitat - an ecological or environmental area where
a specific species lives. It is the place in nature that
particular species calls home. To help picture what this
means, think of a zoo. The developers of a zoo need to
study where a specific animal lives so that they can replicate
the animal's natural habitat. Chimpanzees, for example, are
placed among tress from which they can swing and search
for food. Plants and other organisms all have natural
habitats as well.
Endangered species - A species of animal or plant that is
seriously at risk of extinction.
Conservation - Conservation is the protection of things
found in nature. It requires the sensible use of all Earth's
natural resources: water, soil, minerals, wildlife, and
forests. People who care about conservation try to
preserve natural resources so they will still be around in
the future. They also try to keep the environment clean
and healthy.