Use the videos and activities below to help students understand the biology of big cats, their significance in maintaining healthy ecosystems, and the threats that they face today. We believe that education is crucial to conservation and your efforts in the classroom make a difference.
Resources for Grades K–5
Big Cats, Big Teeth
Students compare the shape and size of human, lion, and gazelle teeth and jaws. Then they predict what each animal eats and decide if the animal is a meat-eater, plant-eater, or an omnivore.
Big Cats' Big Threats
Students read the National Geographic Education article, “Big Cats’ Big Problem.” They answer questions about the threats to big cat populations and how the Big Cats Initiative is working to address those threats.
Big Cats in Captivity
Students watch the National Geographic video, "Kobu the Lion," and explore the negative consequences of keeping big cats in captivity and the challenges sanctuaries face in trying to care for them.
Lion Crittercam
Students use a Crittercam video and simulation game to learn about technologies scientists use to study the health and behavior of big cat populations. Then they explore how scientific research and technology can help to conserve big cat populations.
Cats and Their Coats
Students explore what lions, tigers, and leopards look like and analyze how the animals' coats help them survive in their different habitats.
Big Cats and Their Habitats
Students use media resources to identify big cats and map the species ranges of the world's big cats. Then they determine each big cat's corresponding habitat and create a graphic organizer that summarizes the information.
Resources for Grades 6–8
African Savanna Community Web
Students use multimedia resources and a community web to characterize and describe the environment, organisms, and feeding relationships of the African savanna ecosystem.
Conservation and Big Cats
Students read a National Geographic Education article, “Big Cats’ Big Problem,” and identify the threats to big cat populations and how the Big Cats Initiative is working to address those threats.
Tiger Trouble
Students compare and contrast geographic themes related to Bengal and Siberian tiger populations. They explore the strategies and challenges involved in conserving these big cats.
Perspectives of Lion Conservation
Students watch the National Geographic video, “Lions of Gir,” from multiple perspectives to explore strategies and challenges involved in conserving the Asiatic lion population of India’s Gir Forest.
African Savanna
An illustration gallery and information on the African savannah ecosystem.
Resources for Grades 9–12
Introduction to Captive Breeding
Students discuss endangered and threatened species and learn about captive-breeding programs.
Captive Breeding and Species Survival
Students research captive-breeding programs and species-survival plans and explore the pros and cons of each.
Captive Breeding Case Studies
Students complete a case study for one species in a captive-breeding program and evaluate the effectiveness of the program.
