Polar Animals: First Grade Research

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1 WebQuest Description: Grade Level: K-2 Curriculum: Science Keywords: Published On: :16:29 Last Modified: :38:27 WebQuest URL: Polar Animals: First Grade Research Puffin "Puffins" from do puffins look like?puffins are black and white ocean birds. Their beaks are large and colorful. A puffin's wings are short. Their feet are orange and webbed to help them swim. They are about the size of a parrot.{picture} Where do puffins live?puffins live in cold northern areas. They spend most of their lives alone on the ocean. In summer, puffins nest in large colonies on sea cliffs.{picture}what do puffins eat?puffins eat small fish like sand eels and herring. They catch fish with their sharp beaks. They can carry many fish. They use their tongues to push fish into the top of their hollow bills. {Picture}Puffin BabiesPuffins dig burrows in rocks or in the ground. The female lays one egg. In about 48 days, a chick hatches. In a few weeks, the chick can fly. It leaves the nest. Puffins live about 20 years. {Picture}Other FactsPuffins kiss by rubbing their bills together.{picture} Backward-pointing teeth help puffins catch fish.each year, puffins return to their old nesting ground. Glossary: burrow: A hole or tunnel in the ground made or used by an animal. cliff: A high, steep rock face. colony: A large group of animals that live together in the same area. hollow: Having an empty space inside. webbed: Having toes that are connected by a fold of skin. "Polar Bears" from is a polar bear?polar bears are large mammals. They weigh 700 to 1600 pounds. Polar bears have big paws and thick, white fur.where do polar bears live?polar bears live on the ice of the Arctic coasts. They use their webbed front paws to swim in the cold water. What do polar bears eat?polar bears eat seals, fish, and walruses. They wait by a seal's breathing hole in the ice. They attack when they spot their prey. {Picture} Polar bear babiespolar bear babies are called cubs. Most female polar bears give birth to two cubs at a time. Cubs are born in a snow den. {Picture}Other factspolar bears have been known to swim 60 miles at a time.polar bears usually hunt and live alone.in the wild, polar bears live about 25 years. Glossary: mammal:a warm-blooded animal that has a backbone and hair or fur. Arctic: At or near the North Pole, where it is very cold and snowy.prey:an animal hunted by another animal for food. snow den:a cave-like shelter made of snow. Snowy Owl From "Snowy Owls--Super Owls", by Claire Miller. Ranger Rick, Jan 99What are Snowy Owls?Snowy owls are the heaviest, most powerful owls in all of North America.They can swoop down and grab their prey with the sharp talons on their feet. They'll even snatch ducks right out of a pond. {Picture}Where do Snowy Owls live?snowy Owls live in the coldest lands all around the top of the world, and they hunt in all kinds of weather. Their thick layers of feathers keep them warm, even when the temperature is 40 degrees below zero. Every year snowy owls visit some of the northern states. Wherever they fly to, they look for flat places with few trees. Farm fields and airports are great, and even beaches are good places for the owls to huntwhat do Snowy Owls eat?snowy owls eat lemmings (mouse-like creatures) more than anything else. An owl can eat as many as 1,600 of them in one year. {Picture}Snowy Owl BabiesIt's spring now, and the snowy owls have flown north to the frosty Arctic. That's when a snowy owl female lays as many as 12 eggs. But when there aren't many lemmings around, she may lay no eggs at all. {Picture}Once Mama Owl is on the nest, she doesn't hunt for food. The air is too cold to leave her eggs or chicks uncovered for very long. So her hard-working mate does all of the hunting for his family for at least two months (until the chicks leave the nest).

2 Category and Score Score Total Score Arctic Hare From "Arctic Hare", Encyclopedia of Animals, What are Arctic Hares?Arctic hares look a lot like cottontail rabbits. They have a summer coat of brown fur that grows out into a white coat for the winter. They grow to be between one and three feet tall with three to five-inch tails. They weigh between 5 and 10 pounds.where do Arctic hares live?arctic hares live in the cold arctic plains during the summer and the forests during the winter. They usually live alone, but are found in very large groups during mating season.{picture}what do Arctic Hares eat?arctic hares eat mostly grasses and arctic willows. In warmer climates they also eat grain.arctic Hare babiesmating season for arctic hares takes place in the spring and summer. The female then gives birth to a litter of between one and nine leveretes, young hares. {Picture}Other FactsArctic hares are preyed upon by arctic foxes, wolves, and golden eagles. When a group of arctic hares is attacked, the hares each run in different directions. The arctic hare's white fur helps to give it camouflage during the winter. In the summer, new brown hairs replace the white fur and give the hare protection from predators during the summer.{picture} The arctic hare has a life span of less than one year. Glossary:camouflage: a way of hiding something by covering or coloring it so that it looks like its surroundings. litter:a group of young animals born to one mother at one time.leveretes: baby hares Photo Gallery Arctic Wolf From "Arctic Wolf", Encyclopedia of Animals, What are Arctic Wolves?Arctic wolves are three to five feet long with tails 1 to 1 1/2 feet long. They weigh up to 175 pounds. They have very thick and long fur that keeps them warm in the wind and cold. Their fur is usually white or yellowish with some black or gray.where do Arctic Wolves Live?Arctic wolves live in the mountains and tundra of the Arctic. They survive where the temperature rarely is warmer than 22 degrees below zero. What do Arctic Wolves Eat?Arctic wolves eat arctic hares, lemmings, musk ox, and caribou. Wolves hunt in packs (groups). They are able to go without food for several days. When the pack finds a herd of caribou or musk oxen, they pick a young, old, or sick animal to kill. Each wolf is able to eat up to 100 pounds of meat at a time. They eat everything, including the skin, bones, and fur. {Picture}Arctic Wolf BabiesArctic wolves mate in March. The female leaves the pack and gives birth to her babies in a den. She has four to five puppies which are born blind, deaf, and helpless. The male brings food to her while she feeds the puppies milk and keeps them warm. After one month the puppies are able to eat meat. The whole pack takes care of the puppies. {Picture} Other FactsArctic wolves have very few natural enemies. Even human beings are not a great threat to the wolves.arctic wolves live in family groups called packs. A pack may have up to 30 members but usually has between 7 and 10 members. The life span of arctic wolves is seven years.

3 Musk Ox "Musk Ox", from Encyclopedia of Animals, What is a Musk Ox?Musk oxen are large goat antelopes. They are covered with a thick coat of long, brownish black hairs. They have a coat of shorter fur during the summer and longer fur during the winter. Musk oxen have a large hump on their backs right behind their heads. This hump is covered with shaggy, long fur. Musk oxen grow to be between 5 1/2 and 8 feet long, and between 3 1/2 and 4 1/2 feet tall. Musk oxen usually weigh between 750 and 1,450 pounds.where does a Musk Ox live?musk oxen live in the very cold arctic and tundra areas from Alaska to Greenland. They do not live in the coldest places, such as the North Pole, but they do live where there is some snow on the ground most of the year.what does a Musk Ox Eat?Musk oxen are herbivores, or plant-eating animals. They eat grasses, lichens, sedges, herbs, and the branches from some trees. {Picture} Musk Ox BabiesMating season for musk oxen is in August and September. The female then gives birth to one baby. Musk oxen get their name from the musk-like smell the males give over during mating season.{picture}other FactsThe main predator of the musk ox is the wolf. When wolves approach, female musk oxen form a circle around the young and the males form a circle around the females. Some of the males rush at the wolves and the wolves go away. {Picture} Arctic Fox From "Arctic Fox" on kids.sandiegozoo.orgwhere they live: Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, northern Europe, and Russia Food: Lemmings, voles, squirrels, small birds, eggs, berries, and fish Size: 18- to 26-inch long body; tail is about 13 inches long Babies: A litter of 6 to 12 pups are born in a den. {Picture} Other Facts:

4 Small, round body with thick fur and a cute fluffy tail everything about an Arctic fox helps it survive its cold, harsh habitat. But for an Arctic fox the tail, also called a "brush," is extra useful, since the fox curls it around the face like a scarf when the frigid winds blow. {Picture} An Arctic fox s fur changes colors with the seasons of the year. In winter, it is white so that it blends in with the snow. During the spring, the fox sheds its winter coat, revealing gray fur underneath. {Picture} Arctic foxes have a great sense of smell and excellent hearing. Their small, pointy ears can hear their prey moving around in underground tunnels. When an Arctic fox hears its next meal scurrying under the snow, it leaps into the air and pounces, breaking through the layer of snow right onto the prey underneath.{picture} From "Siberian Husky," Encyclopedia of Animals, 2006.What are Siberian Huskies?Siberian huskies were first bred more than a hundred years ago in Siberia. Huskies pulled sleds across the ice and snow. {Picture} Siberian huskies have two layers of thick, warm fur. Their coats are black, white, gray, and cream. They have tails that curl up over their backs. Huskies are 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 35 and 60 pounds.what do Siberian Huskies Eat? Siberian huskies eat meat, vegetables, and dry food. It is very important that these dogs have clean, fresh water to drink each day. Siberian Husky BabiesThe female husky may give birth to a few or to several puppies. The puppies are born blind and deaf. The puppies are fully grown adults when they are two years old. {Picture}Other Facts:Siberian huskies are rarely in danger from any natural enemies. The dogs can use their teeth and claws when they fight with other dogs or smaller animals. The greatest threats to dogs are diseases, accidents, and being hit by automobiles. Siberian huskies are used to living in packs. The dogs which are larger and older and stronger are in charge. Siberian huskies are able to smell and hear very well. They can see in shades of gray but not in colors. The average life span of Siberian huskies is 10 years. Standards Credits Other Narwhal From "Narwhal Whale", Encyclopedia of Animals, What are Narwhals?Narwhals are covered with grey-green patches of skin, which is darker on top than on their undersides. A male has a single, twisted horn on his forehead. This horn, called a tusk, may grow up to 10 feet long. The narwhal's head is rounded, and its flippers are small and rounded. Like all whales, narwhals have blowholes on the tops of their heads. These mammals breathe through their blowholes. They have to go to the surface of the water to breathe. Each narwhal has just one blowhole. These sea mammals average 13 to 16 feet in length and can weigh up to 3,500 pounds. {Picture}Where do Narwhals Live?Narwhals live in the Arctic sea. They live in groups called pods. These pods can have up to 2,000 members. Narwhals have a layer of fatty tissue, called blubber, located right under their skin. This fat is used to keep the animals warm in colder waters and

5 acts as a reserve food.what do Narwhals Eat?Narwhals feed on fish, cuttlefish, shrimp, crabs, and squid. Since they have only two teeth, they are unable to chew food, so they must swallow their prey whole. Narwhal BabiesThe female narwhal gives birth to a single calf. The mother helps the calf by pushing it with her nose up to the surface of the water for air. A newborn calf measures about five feet in length and weighs about 175 pounds. At birth, the calf has dark grayish-blue skin.{picture} Other FactsKiller whales prey on narwhals. {Picture}The life span of the narwhal is about 30 or 40 years. Seal "Seals" from What are Seals?Seals are marine mammals. They have four flippers instead of legs. Whiskers help them feel around to find food. Seals may be 3 1/2 to 16 feet long. Where do Seals Live?Seals live in the ocean. They come to land to lie in the sun and give birth. Most seals live in cold areas. They have fur and blubber to keep them warm.{picture}what do Seals Eat?Seals eat fish, squid, krill, and even penguins. Seals have sharp teeth. They tear off pieces of meat and swallow them whole.{picture}seal BabiesFemale seals have babies on land. They give birth to one pup at a time. Pups drink their mother's milk until they can find their own food. {Picture}Other FactsSome seals can hold their breath for 2 hours.seals gather at rookeries of up to 150,000 seals to mate. {Picture}Seal sounds include barks, moans, and wails. Glossary:blubber: A thick layer of fat under the skin of some animals. flipper: A paddle-like body part on the side of a sea animal.krill:tiny animals that look like shrimp.marine mammal:a warm-blooded animal with a backbone and hair or fur that spends most or all of its time in the sea or ocean. pup:a baby seal.rookery: A place on shore where seals gather to mate. Reindeer From "Reindeer" on kids.sandiegozoo.org Where they live: Canada, Alaska, Greenland, northern Europe, and northern Asia Food: Leaves, lichen, fungi Size: 4 to 7 feet long, 31 to 59 inches tall at the shoulder Reindeer Babies: A single calf is born in May or June and nurses for about 6 months. {Picture}A reindeer calf can walk about one hour after it is born. It follows its mother, staying close to nurse and for protection. Reindeer live in big groups called a herd. In the spring, herds come together and form an even bigger group of up to 500,00 animals. Since all the females in a herd give birth at the same time of year, a reindeer calf has many friends to play reindeer games with! {Picture}What do Reindeer Look Like? Both male and female reindeer grow antlers

6 Fur covering a reindeer s body helps it stay warm in its very cold habitat. Reindeer even have fur on the bottom of their hooves, which helps them keep from slipping on icy ground. Their big, broad hooves also work well as paddles when the animal swims across rivers or lakes. And, their sharp hooves are used as shovels to dig into the snow to find food. {Picture} Walrus "Walruses" from are Walruses?Walruses are mammals. They are 8 to 12 feet tall. Walruses weigh 1 to 2 tons. They have two long tusks and four flippers. A layer of blubber under their skin keeps walruses warm. They use their tusks to pull themselves out of the water. They rest on chunks of ice.where do Walruses Live?Walruses live in icy cold northern oceans. What do Walruses Eat?Walruses swim to the ocean bottom for food. They use their stiff whiskers to feel for animals to eat. Walruses eat clams, snails, crabs, and worms. A walrus swallows its food whole.walrus BabiesWalrus calves are born on ice in spring. They are about four feet long at birth. Calves usually stay with their mothers for two years. Walruses live about 35 to 40 years.{picture}other Facts:Walrus tusks have rings like tree trunks. The rings tell the walrus's age. As many as 2,000 walruses live in a herd.{picture}one walrus can eat as many as 6,000 clams in one meal. Glossary: Mammal: A warm-blooded animal that has a backbone and hair or fur; female mammals feed milk to their young. Tusk: A long, pointed tooth. Flippers: A paddlelike body part on the side of a sea animal. Walruses can walk and swim using their flippers. Blubber: A thick layer of fat under the skin of some animals. Whiskers: One of the long, stiff hairs near the mouth of some animals, such as the walrus. Herd: A group of the same kind of animals that live together.

The Amazingly Adapted Arctic Fox By Guy Belleranti

The Amazingly Adapted Arctic Fox By Guy Belleranti A fascinating hunter makes its home in the Arctic tundra. The fluffy white mammal is known to leap high in the air before pouncing on the burrow of its suspected prey. After a few seconds of furious digging,