Lesson Plan - 5 Big Questions About Pandas

Watch the Video
Build background knowledge by playing the video “All About Giant Pandas.” Discuss: Why do you think so many people are interested in giant pandas? Based on the video, why did this species become threatened?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• deforestation
• reserves

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about why many people are so interested in pandas.

1. What does the article mean when it says that Bao Li and Qing Bao are “on loan” to the National Zoo?
When the article says that Bao Li and Qing Bao are “on loan” to the National Zoo, it means that the pandas will be at the zoo only until 2034. Then they will be returned to China. The article explains that in exchange for the pandas, the National Zoo will pay China a yearly fee of $1 million.
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2. Based on the article, how could the giant panda species benefit from Bao Li and Qing Bao being at the National Zoo?
The article shows that the giant panda species could benefit from Bao Li and Qing Bao being at the National Zoo in several ways. For one thing, during the pandas’ stay, American and Chinese scientists will work together to protect giant pandas. Also, millions of people will see the pandas while they are at the zoo. This is important because when people learn about pandas, they are more likely to donate money to help with panda conservation.
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3. What does conservation mean as it is used in the article? What is a clue in the article that helps you determine this meaning?
As it is used in the article, conservation means the protection of a species. An important clue to this meaning is the phrase “conservation efforts like restoring panda habitats and preventing diseases,” which gives examples of conservation.
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FEATURED SKILL: Analyze a Folktale
Use the skill builder “A Panda Tale” to read and analyze a Chinese folktale about how giant pandas got their spots. Then invite students to write their own creative myths to “explain” a physical characteristic of another animal species.
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