⁣Lesson Plan: Understanding Animal Interactions - Hippo Attacks 3 Lions Crossing the River

⁣Lesson Plan: Understanding Animal Interactions - Hippo Attacks 3 Lions Crossing the River

Grade Level: 9-12

Subject: Biology/Ecology

Duration: 60 minutes

Common Core Standards:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.2: Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; trace the text's explanation or depiction of complex ideas or concepts.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.7: Translate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text into visual form (e.g., a table or chart) and translate information expressed visually or mathematically (e.g., in an equation) into words.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.9: Synthesize information from a range of sources (e.g., texts, experiments, simulations) into a coherent understanding of a process, phenomenon, or concept, resolving conflicting information when possible.

Objective:
Students will analyze and understand the interactions between different animal species by studying a real-life scenario where a hippo attacks three lions crossing the river.

Materials:
- Video footage or images of the hippo attacking lions (ensure it is appropriate for the classroom)
- Text resources explaining animal interactions and food chains/webs
- Chart paper or whiteboard for collaborative brainstorming
- Writing materials

Procedure:
1. Introduction (5 minutes):
- Display the title "Understanding Animal Interactions - Hippo Attacks 3 Lions Crossing the River" on the board.
- Engage students in a brief discussion about animal interactions and predator-prey relationships.

2. Video/Image Analysis (15 minutes):
- Show the video footage or images of the hippo attacking the lions.
- Ask students to observe and describe what they see, noting the behavior of the animals involved.
- Encourage students to identify any factors that may have triggered or influenced the interaction.

3. Class Discussion (10 minutes):
- Facilitate a class discussion based on the video/image analysis, asking students to share their observations and interpretations.
- Discuss the roles of the hippo and lions in their respective ecosystems, and how this interaction fits into the food chain/web.

4. Textual Analysis (15 minutes):
- Provide text resources explaining animal interactions, predator-prey relationships, and the concept of carrying capacity.
- Assign students to read and analyze the texts individually or in small groups.
- Instruct students to highlight key information and make notes on how the information connects to the hippo-lion interaction.

5. Collaborative Brainstorming (10 minutes):
- Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with chart paper or a whiteboard.
- Instruct students to brainstorm and discuss the various ecological factors that could have influenced the hippo's aggressive behavior towards the lions.
- Encourage students to consider factors such as competition for resources, territoriality, and protective behavior.

6. Group Presentations and Discussion (10 minutes):
- Have each group present their findings and discuss their interpretations of the hippo-lion interaction.
- Encourage students to support their claims with evidence from both the video/image analysis and the text resources.

7. Conclusion (5 minutes):
- Summarize the main points discussed during the lesson, emphasizing the complex nature of animal interactions and the factors that can influence these interactions.
- Encourage students to continue exploring and learning about the dynamics of ecosystems and the interconnectedness of species.

Common Core Labels Correlations:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.2
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.7
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.9



3 lions busy crossing the river get attacked by an angry hippo that was being territorial over its water, will they make it across safely? Send in your wildlife video here, and earn money: https://www.latestsightings.com/partnershipThis nail-biting sighting took place in the Selinda Reserve in Botswana.Great Plains Conservation shared this incredible footage and story with LatestSightings.com:Lions are often referred to as the kings of the jungle. For the most part, this is true, as they are very dominant and territorial animals and of course predators by nature. They are incredible hunters and do not step out of their territories without good reason. But of course, just like any other animal - they will need to move through difficult terrain and risk dangerous encounters. Especially when their circumstances require it.This pride of lion was attempting to cross the Selinda spillway in Botswana. They were clearly aware of the hippos around them but obviously felt the need to get to the other side of the river. As soon as they started to cross, they realized they were now in unchartered waters that had already been claimed. But was it too late to turn around?Hippos are also very territorial and also known as very dangerous animals - especially when one gets too close to the water. Four lions crossing were understandably a threat to these hippos as they just saw these massive lions entering their territory. Unaware that the cats were most probably merely trying to cross.The one hippo makes it his mission to get these lions out of the water. Not to necessarily eat or even injure the lion severely. Merely to make it clear that they do not welcome uninvited guests in their home.Two lions succeeded in crossing the river, but the other two managed to turn around in time and swim back to the other side. All in all, no lions were severely injured. However, half of the pride were yet to decide how to get back over to their pride members on the other side.BOOK YOUR TRIP TO KRUGER: http://bit.ly/BookatKrugerTo license the footage: Contact@LatestSightings.comGet some of our exclusive specials at the Kruger National Park (Free nights): https://www.latestsightings.com/specialsSnapchat: LatestSightingsTwitter & Instagram: @LatestKrugerFor live wildlife sightings in the Kruger National Park: http://www.latestsightings.com/And like our Facebook page for great sightings and photos: https://www.facebook.com/lates....tsightingskrugerSubs to us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/LatestSightings