Lesson Plan: Red Wolf Expedition

Throw your classroom to the wolves and discover the wild world of Red Wolves! Red Wolf Expedition: Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is a standalone lesson plan for grades 2-5 that meets Next Generation Science Standards 2-LS4-1, 3-LS4-3, 4-ESS2-2, and 5-ESS3-1. The $10 download includes a reading handout, activity, and exit quiz, and can be completed in about 60 to 100 minutes. 

In this lesson, students will learn about red wolves, the challenges they face, and how we can help them. They will learn about coexisting with wildlife and discover tangible steps they can take towards creating a better world for wolves. 

Red wolf in Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Credit: Wildlands Network
Red wolf in Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Credit: Wildlands Network

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to: 

  • Describe a red wolf and where they are found 
  • Understand challenges facing red wolves 
  • Have a grasp of the ecosystem and wildlife found at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge 
  • Understand and explain what biodiversity is  
  • Describe wildlife coexistence measures 
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Traverse deep into the southern wetlands of Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina to get a glimpse of life as a red wolf. Well known for being the location of the first wolf reintroduction program in U.S. history, we’ll take a peek into conservation measures and discover how you can help keep red wolves safe. This swamp forest holds both promise and challenges for this small population, so get ready to explore!

Themes

  • Wildlife coexistence
  • Urban environments
  • Conservation
  • Recovery and release programs

Next Generation Science Standards

2-LS4-1. Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats
3-LS4-3. Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all
4-ESS2-2. Analyze and interpret data from maps to describe patterns of Earth’s features
5-ESS3-1. Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment