Photograph by Beverly Joubert
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Students explore what lions, tigers, and leopards look like and analyze how the animals' coats help them survive in their different 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.
Students use multimedia resources and a community web to characterize and describe the environment, organisms, and feeding relationships of the African savanna ecosystem.
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.
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.
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.
An illustration gallery and information on the African savannah ecosystem.
Students discuss endangered and threatened species and learn about captive-breeding programs.
Students research captive-breeding programs and species-survival plans and explore the pros and cons of each.
Students complete a case study for one species in a captive-breeding program and evaluate the effectiveness of the program.
