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Get to Know Beavers

Secondary, Elementary, Middle

Description

This resource engages students in learning about the life history of the beaver and explores how beavers across Turtle Island (a name used by some Indigenous Nations to describe North America) help protect communities from worsening drought conditions. Students learn about beaver behaviour, adaptations, and ecological roles, with particular attention to current environmental challenges in British Columbia such as drought, low pack snow and increasing wildfire risk.

Students will:

  • learn about the lives of beavers, and their connections to droughts and fires
  • explore Indigenous cultural perspectives
  • build and test mini beaver dams
  • respond to discussion questions that deepen their understanding

The resource integrates scientific facts with cultural context, activities and reflection questions. It also highlights connections to Indigenous cultures and stewardship, emphasizing the long-standing relationships between Indigenous peoples and beavers. It encourages further learning about how Indigenous communities understand and work with beavers and landscapes by providing links to additional Indigenous resources.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This resource is designed for students Grades 4 and up explores the biology, behaviour, and ecological importance of beavers, with a focus on their role in water systems and landscape resilience. Curriculum links to science and environmental education, provides background information for teachers, discussion questions and website links to extend the learning.

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 6
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        • Living Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions
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        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
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        • Science 9: The biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere are interconnected, as matter cycles and energy flows through them.
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        • Science 9: The biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere are interconnected, as matter cycles and energy flows through them.
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        • Life Systems: Habitats & Communities
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        • Knowledge and Employability Science: Biological Diversity (Social and Environmental Contexts Emphasis)
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        • Water Systems on Earth
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    • Grade 9
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        • Science 9: The biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere are interconnected, as matter cycles and energy flows through them.

Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (3)

  • Appreciating the Natural World
  • Biodiversity
  • Interdependence

Indigenous Knowledge (1)

  • TEK -- Traditional Ecological Knowledge

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