Bears

April 18, 2006

Bear Diet

Home Range

Reproduction

Hibernation

Bear Research

People & Bears

Classroom Activities

Links

Facts

References

Legendary Bear

Objective:
1. Students will understand the significance of the bear to several Indian tribes as demonstrated in legends.

2. Students will be able to identify the purpose and structure of a legend.

Background:
An overlay map or transparency showing the historic habitat areas of major bear species and historic major Indian tribe territories. Indian legends on bears.

Procedure:
1. Read, or have students read the legend (or use video).
See The Woman Who Married A Bear by Gary Snyder..

2. Analyze with students the role of the bears in the legends.

3. Determine through discussion why legends were told.

4. Examine the structure of legends.

5. Share via video or slide and lecture presentation characteristics and behavior of black and/or grizzly bear.

6. Students write contemporary legend about bears of their area. Students should state a modern day phenomenon (e.g., San Andrews Fault) using legend form, or a legend explaining the phenomenon using bear as the major figure and using actual behavior traits perception to explain it.

Evaluation:
The evaluation is accomplished with the writing and sharing of student legends.

Extensions:
Discuss anthropomorphism in national symbols and in advertising. Research legends further to study patterns of change that occurred when legends were put into written form by Europeans with different value systems.