Teacher Resource Centre

Humans In Nature

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

UNIT DESCRIPTION

TEACHER'S BACKGROUND (UNIT)

LESSON ONE

Lesson Description
Student Fact Sheet: Did You Know?
Student Fact Sheet: Wildlife At Risk
Student Worksheet: Shrinking Habitat

LESSON TWO (EXTENSION)

Lesson Description
Student Fact Sheet: Humans In Nature

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The development of this resource was made possible through the expertise, knowledge and dedication of many people to whom I wish to extend my gratitude.

The overall coordination of this project depended on Parks Canada's Ontario Outreach Education Team, specifically Susan Staple and Andrew Leaden. Susan, with her endless enthusiasm, guidance, and professionalism, has been fundamental in the development of this resource since its inception. Andrew's technical expertise and the long hours he spent making this resource compatible for the web are also greatly appreciated.

Thanks to the diligence and dedication of Celine Morin, the Translation Services Administrator with Parks Canada, as well as the team at the Translation Bureau of PWGSC in Quebec City, this resource is also available in French.

Several Ontario teachers provided a great deal of assistance throughout the development and evaluation of this resource. Lynne Atchison and Jeff Liipere, from Bruce Peninsula District School in Lion's Head, provided great ideas for activities and lesson plans during the initial stages of the project. Skye Lantinga at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay and Nancy Gelinas from Barondale Public School in Mississauga volunteered to review the final draft of the resource and contributed valuable feedback. A special thanks to Jim Collins from Hepworth Central School, who despite his fear of snakes, bravely pre-tested and evaluated these resources in his grade four classroom.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of all these people, this resource will cultivate an awareness and appreciation of the threatened eastern massasauga rattlesnake in schools throughout Canada.

UNIT DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION
By exploring the affects of humans on the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, students will understand their role in nature. This package includes a teacher background and suggested lesson plans that allow the supplementary activities to be used as a comprehensive unit or independently. Students will be provided with fact sheets, a mapping exercise, and a fun poster activity that allows them to teach others about the eastern massasauga rattlenake!

CLASS TIME
2-4 periods

TOPIC(S)
Extinction, Species at Risk, Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, Protected Areas

CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
For a complete list of curriculum connections, please go to the Teacher Resource Centre website at www.pc.gc.ca/education .

RESOURCES
Web Resources

Bruce Peninsula National Park of Canada
www.pc.gc.ca/bruce

Georgian Bay Islands National Park of Canada
www.pc.gc.ca/gbi

Parks Canada - Species at Risk
www.pc.gc.ca/nature/eep-sar/index_e.asp

Environment Canada - Species at Risk
www.speciesatrisk.gc.ca

Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Recovery Team
www.massasauga.ca

Committee on the Status of Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC)
www.cosewic.gc.ca/COSEWIC

Greater Georgian Bay Reptile Awareness Program
www.gbayreptiles.com

Ojibway Nature Centre
www.ojibway.ca/rattler.htm

Toronto Zoo
www.torontozoo.com

Canadian Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Network
www.carcnet.ca

Text Resources

Bruchac, Joseph. Keepers of the Animals: Native Stories and Wildlife Activities for Children. Colorado: Fulcrum Publishing, 1991.

Conant, Roger. Peterson Field Guide: Reptiles and Amphibians. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1998.

NOTE: These suggested activities can be adapted to a Species at Risk in your local area.

TEACHER'S BACKGROUND (UNIT)

LOSING WILDLIFE FOREVER

Extinction is a natural process that normally takes place over millions of years. However, throughout history there have been a few periods in which changes have taken place much more quickly than species can evolve. These dramatic changes lead to mass extinctions of more than half of the species found on the Earth during that time. After such devastation, it takes many millions of years for the slow process of evolution to develop new forms of life and the old ones are gone forever (Bruchac, 1991).

Today another mass extinction is believed to be underway, only this one is caused by humans and it is happening at a much faster rate than any in the past. It is estimated that during the time of the dinosaurs, one species throughout the world became extinct every 1000 years. One hundred years ago, the rate of extinction had increased to approximately one extinct species per year. Today, the rate of extinction has accelerated to approximately 912 different species becoming extinct every single year (Source: www.gbayreptiles.com ).

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN CANADA?

Even in Canada, several plants and animals are at risk of extinction. In 1990, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) was established to assess and designate which species are in some danger of disappearing from Canada. By classifying the level of risk for wildlife, it is possible to determine which plants and animals require immediate help.

The following illustrates the COSEWIC classification for Canada's species at risk (Source: www.speciesatrisk.gc.ca ):

Species of Special Concern: a wildlife species that may become threatened or endangered because of a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats.

Threatened Species: a wildlife species that is likely to become endangered if nothing is done to reverse the factors leading to its extirpation or extinction.

Endangered Species: a wildlife species that is facing imminent extirpation or extinction.

Extirpated Species: a wildlife species that no longer exists in the wild in Canada, but exists elsewhere.

Extinct Species: a wildlife species that no longer exists throughout the world.

As of 2004, COSEWIC had designated 444 of Canada's species at risk of extinction. Of these species, 12 are extinct, 21 extirpated, 169 endangered, 114 threatened, and 140 are species of special concern (Source: www.cosewic.gc.ca ). The eastern massasauga rattlesnake was added to this list in April 1991 as a nationally threatened species because its range had been reduced so dramatically. Originally the eastern massasauga rattlesnake used to be found throughout most of southern Ontario, but has since been reduced to four small populations - the Bruce Peninsula, eastern Georgian Bay, the Wainfleet Bog near Port Colborne, and the Ojibway-Prairie Complex in Windsor.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF HUMANS

The eastern massasauga rattlesnake has struggled to survive alongside humans and, as a result, is at risk of disappearing forever. Although there are other human pressures that affect this species, there are four main threats to the eastern massasauga rattlesnake: (1) destruction or degradation of habitat, (2) road mortality, (3) human persecution, and (4) illegal trade (Source: www.massasauga.ca ).

POSITIVE EFFECTS OF HUMANS

Despite the negative effects that humans have had on the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, there have been many efforts to recover this species and ensure its survival. In 1991, the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Recovery Team was established to determine recovery strategies for this snake through both research and education. This recovery team has representatives from a wide range of organizations including Parks Canada, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Toronto Zoo, and several others that are dedicated to helping this snake (Source: www.massasauga.ca ). The following illustrates some of the strategies for ensuring the snake's survival.

Protected Areas
Since the main threat to the eastern massasauga rattlesnake is habitat loss, the protection of their habitat is critical. Fortunately, several areas in which the eastern massasauga rattlesnake lives is protected to ensure their habitat remains intact. The following demonstrates these protected areas. Aside from the designated protected areas, thousands of landowners in Ontario help protect important areas for this snake on their own property.

Research
In order to help the eastern massasauga rattlesnake and protect areas in which it lives, it is crucial that we first understand this species. Since the early 1980's, there have been several research projects established in Ontario to understand the life of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. Population monitoring, habitat studies, and venom analyses are just a few features of this snake that have been investigated.

Education
Several of the protected areas listed above have established education programs to teach people about the importance of preserving this species. From landowner workshops, hikes, theatre programs, school presentations and many others, people are getting the word about the eastern massasauga rattlesnake.

LESSON ONE

DESCRIPTION
This student worksheet demonstrates that some plants and animals are struggling to survive alongside humans and, furthermore, many of them are at risk of extinction. Students will explore extinction and the different classifications of species at risk in Canada. To illustrate the impact of humans on a species, students will colour areas on a map of southern Ontario, to see the decline of the threatened eastern massasauga rattlesnake.

MATERIALS

• Wildlife at Risk Student Fact Sheet
• Shrinking Habitat Student Worksheet

PROCEDURE
Introduction

1. Begin the lesson by asking students what extinction means. Have students name some living things that have become extinct. Discuss whether they will ever see an extinct species again and ask how this makes them feel.

Steps for New Learning

1. Explain that throughout history several living things have become extinct, but currently the rate of extinction is higher than it has ever been. Ask students why they think it is higher now than before. Ask students what we are doing differently. Explain that there are many plants and animals in Canada that are struggling to survive.
2. Distribute the Wildlife at Risk Student Fact Sheet and have students underline or highlight key points. Explain the need to classify the level of risk that plants and animals face in Canada. Discuss the COSEWIC classifications of species at risk and have students name other species at risk in Canada. Ask if there are any species at risk that live in their area. Refer to the COSEWIC website ( www.cosewic.gc.ca ) for guidance.

Review

1. Distribute the Shrinking Habitat Student Worksheet to demonstrate how the number of eastern massasauga rattlesnakes in Ontario has declined.

DID YOU KNOW?
Student Fact Sheet

Canada's national parks are dedicated to assisting species at risk such as the eastern massasauga rattlesnake through research and habitat protection. Let's see what is going on in our national parks. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is found in three national parks in Canada: (1) Bruce Peninsula National Park, (2) Fathom Five Marine Park, and (3) Georgian Bay Islands National Park.

1. Protecting Habitat
   • Bruce Peninsula National Park currently protects 154 km ² of rattlesnake habitat.
   • Fathom Five National Marine Park protects 113 km ² of rattlesnake habitat.
   • Georgian Bay Islands National Park protects 13 km ² of rattlesnake habitat.
2. Research
   • To find out how many rattlesnakes are in the national parks biologists search for as many as possible each year.
   • Over 470 rattlesnakes have been found in Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park.
   • Some rattlesnakes have tiny radios attached to them that allow biologists to track where they go to understand what their homes look like.
3. Did You Know?
   • These national parks work with other groups such as the Toronto Zoo, Georgian Bay Reptile Awareness Program, Ministry of Natural Resources, local Conservation Authorities and many more!
4. Education
   • When visiting these national parks, you can learn about rattlesnakes by attending hikes, theatre programs or just by asking the friendly park staff.
   • People living near these national parks can attend workshops and presentations to learn about rattlesnakes.
   • Sometimes national park staff will knock on the door and tell people about how they can live with rattlesnakes near their homes.

WILDLIFE AT RISK
Student Fact Sheet

LOSING WILDLIFE FOREVER

When people hear the word 'extinction' they usually think of dinosaurs or dodo birds. But extinction is not a thing of the past. In fact, it is much more of a threat now than it has ever been. Only 30 years ago, there was one plant or animal disappearing every year. Now, there are approximately 912 different species that are at risk of becoming extinct every single year - this means from the time you woke up this morning until you go to bed tonight, two to three species will be gone forever.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN CANADA?

In Canada many plants and animals, such as the leatherback seaturtle, the peregrine falcon, and the lakeside daisy, are struggling to survive alongside humans. Currently, there are 444 different plants and animals at risk of extinction in Canada.

HOW AT RISK ARE THEY?

Some plants and animals are more at risk of extinction than others. In order to understand which living things need our help most, all of the plants and animals in Canada have been placed into categories, depending on the level of risk they are currently facing.

Species of Special Concern
A species that does not face an immediate threat but could easily become at risk of extinction.

Threatened Species
A species that is likely to become endangered if something is not done.

Endangered Species
A species that is so rare that it is in immediate danger of becoming extinct.

Extirpated Species
A plant or animal that has disappeared from Canada but is still found in other parts of the world.

Extinct Species
A species that no longer exists anywhere in the world.

SHRINKING HABITAT
Student Worksheet

One creature that has struggled to survive alongside humans is the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. This snake has earned the unfortunate name 'threatened species' because there are not many left in Canada. Although they were once found throughout most of southern Ontario, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake is now only found in four areas throughout the province.

1. Discover where the eastern massasauga rattlesnake used to be found more than 100 years ago and where it is today! Using the chart below, colour the squares on the map to see the snake's shrinking habitat. Use different colours to show where it was found in the past and where it is found now.

   Where was it found before 1900?	Where is it found today?
   A5-A9, B10, C11-C13, D13, E13, F13-F14, G13-G14, H7-H9, H11, H14, I6-I13, J6-J13, K6-K11, L6-L9, M6-M7, N5-N7, O4-O6, O10-O14, P3-P12, P14, Q3-Q11, R3-R5, R9-R10, S2-S5, T1-T3	B6-B9, C9-C10, D9-D12, E10-E12, F6-F7, F11-F12, G11-G12, H12-H13, G7-G8, P13, S1

2. Using an atlas, name the towns/cities that are represented by numbers on the map to see how close you live to rattlesnake country!
   1. ________________________
   2. ________________________
   3. ________________________
   4. ________________________
   5. ________________________
   6. ________________________
   7. ________________________
   8. ________________________
   9. ________________________
3. Using an atlas, name the bodies of water that are represented by letters on the map.
   1. ________________________
   2. ________________________
   3. ________________________
   4. ________________________
   5. ________________________
   6. ________________________

Click here for the chart. Source: http://www.brocku.ca/maplibrary

LESSON TWO

DESCRIPTION
This activity allows students to create educational posters that teach people how humans can help the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. Students will refer to a fact sheet to obtain accurate information for their posters.

MATERIALS

• Humans In Nature Student Fact Sheet

PROCEDURE
Introduction

1. Begin the lesson by having students brainstorm ways that humans can affect living things. Arrange their suggestions in a chart to illustrate how humans can harm and help wildlife.

Steps for New Learning

1. Arrange students into pairs or small groups. Distribute the Humans In Nature Student Fact Sheet and have students underline or highlight key points about the ways that humans can harm and help the eastern massasauga rattlesnake.

Review

1. Have the students draw a poster to educate people about the eastern massasauga rattlesnake and how humans can harm it and help it. The poster should include: (i) a title indicating the eastern massasauga rattlesnake's need for help, (ii) a drawing of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, and (iii) information that demonstrates the positive and negative effects of humans. These posters can be displayed throughout the school or local community. This activity can also be adapted to study other Species at Risk in your local area.

   We'd love to see your students' work so please submit them to Bruce Peninsula National Park of Canada.

   Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Education Program
   c/o Bruce Peninsula National Park of Canada
   Box 189 Tobermory, ON
   N0H 2R0

HUMANS IN NATURE
Student Fact Sheet

HUMANS HARMING WILDLIFE

Although humans are a part of the natural world, we can sometimes do things that harm the wildlife around us. While some living things, such as seagulls or raccoons can live very well alongside people, many other plants and animals are struggling to survive. Let's take a look at the four main reasons that the eastern massasauga rattlesnake is struggling to survive.

Losing a Home
The habitat of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake is changing very quickly. This snake is losing its home as more houses, cottages, and roads are built. Sometimes toxic chemicals such as pollution and pesticides can make its habitat unsuitable to live in. Without a home, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake has little hope for survival.

Intentional Killing
The eastern massasauga rattlesnake has always had a bad reputation and many people have tried to kill it instead of learning to live with it.

Crossing Roads
Roads are very dangerous places for rattlesnakes and all other wildlife. Whether they are crossing the road or warming up on the hot asphalt, many snakes do not survive.

Illegal Pets
Some people collect rattlesnakes as pets. This means that the snakes won't have a chance to mate and give birth to young snakes in the wild. Without young snakes, the population will disappear.
HUMANS HELPING WILDLIFE

Although humans can sometimes do things that harm wildlife, there are many things that humans are doing to help. Whether it's recycling, picking up litter, or planting trees, each one of us can make a difference in keeping our wildlife around. But some creatures, like the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, are getting a lot of attention these days. Let's take a close look at some of the things being done to help keep this snake around!

Habitat Helpers
Many people are working together to help save the homes of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. In Canada, there are three national parks, nine provincial parks, three nature reserves, and two conservation areas that protect the habitat of this snake. Several people living in rattlesnake country also help this snake by providing a home on their own property.

Snake Science
In order to help the eastern massasauga rattlesnake we must first understand it. By learning about its habitat and behaviour through research, biologists can better understand how to help this snake. For example, at Bruce Peninsula National Park of Canada, biologists have tracked over 34 rattlesnakes to find out what they look for in a home.

Teaching Others
This snake needs all of our help, so by teaching people about the eastern massasauga rattlesnake we can work together to help make a difference. There are lots of fun programs that allow people to learn about the life of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. At Bruce Peninsula National Park of Canada, there are hikes, theatre programs, school presentations and many more fun ways to learn about this snake. And just because you are a student doesn't mean you can't be a teacher as well. Go out and tell everyone about this snake. Artist: Sean Liipere, Bruce Peninsula National Park