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Notes for teachers

If you would like another STEM lesson using the same book- The Three Little Javelina, Adobe Bricks

List of Materials

3 Little Javelina Book or Pdf of the scripted play

The Three Little Javelinas by Susan Lowell, illust. Harris | Read Aloud for Kids | The Reading Booth

THE THREE LITTLE JAVELINAS

Internet access or printed copies of the Javelina page from AZ Game and Fish

Living with Javelina-AZ Game and Fish

Paper or digital devices to sketch designs

Various recyclables and materials for building a model of a Javelina deterrent

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Standards

4.E1U2.10 Define problem(s) and design solution(s) to minimize the effects of natural hazards.

Other Related Standards:

5.L4U3.11 Obtain, evaluate, and communicate evidence about how natural and human-caused changes to habitats or climate can impact populations.

3.L2U1.8 Construct an argument from evidence that organisms are interdependent.

3.L2U1.6 Plan and carry out investigations to demonstrate ways plants and animals react to stimuli.

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Objectives:

Students will describe the javelina and problems that happen when humans build homes in javelina habitats.

Students will design a device or solution to the problems javelina may pose to humans and their pets.

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Agenda

Show beginning of video clip with javelina running at high speed and engage students in a discussion about what they know about javelinas.
Read all or part of The Three Little Javelinas out loud as a class-it may be good to read a bit of the story each day if you plan to do the other activities in this unit.
In the book, the javelina are trying to escape from the coyote, one of the main predators of javelina.

What else do we learn about Javelina?

While not predators, javelinas can sometimes be dangerous or bothersome to humans living in their territory. Direct students to AZ Game and Fish information on what attracts javelinas. (on slide 9)
Students will choose one of the things that attract javelinasand design either an invention/prototype or a model of a solution to one of the problems.

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What do you know about this animal?

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WHAT ATTRACTS THEM?

Javelina usually visit homes to find food, water or shelter.

Food for javelina can include lush vegetation and many flowers and succulent plants that people place around their homes. Birdseed, table scraps and garbage can also attract javelina.
Water can be provided through chewing on an irrigation hose or by drinking from a pool or other water source around a home. Javelina will also dig and roll in moist soil during summer days to keep cool.
Shelter can take the form of a porch, an area under a mobile home, a crawl space beneath a house, or any other cave-like area. Javelina will seek shade during summer days and warmth during the winter, if these areas are not properly secured.

information is from Az Game and Fish

https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife-conservation/living-with-wildlife/living-with-javelina/

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Students will work in pairs or on their own.
Each group will choose one of the things that attracts javelinas to human housing-food, water, or shelter- and design a solution that discourages javelinas from seeking that item at the home.
Students must build a 3D prototype or model of the solution using provided recyclables or other materials.
Design must include a 2-3 sentence description including the real life materials the invention or solution would require, how it works, and why this is a good solution, as well as any drawbacks to the solution.

Photo by Kevin Jarrett on Unsplash

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Assessment

1	2	3	4
no attempt	Student solution addresses one of the three choices. Student does not provides materials list, explanation, and/or at least one drawback or potential issue with the proposed solution. Student built a model out of provided recyclables but may not have used time or materials correctly. or Student solution solves a problem not addressed in the lesson or unrelated to the issue	Student solution addresses one of the three choices. Student provides materials list, explanation, and at least one drawback or potential issue with the proposed solution. Student built a model out of provided recyclables.	Student solution addresses one of the three choices. Student provides materials list, explanation, and at least one drawback or potential issue with the proposed solution. Student built a model out of provided recyclables. Student solution is innovative and well thought out.

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Differentiation

Provide pictures on a device or a video recording of the read aloud for students to refer back to

Post important vocabulary

Model expected outcome and provide concrete examples of exemplar work

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Create a “Wanted” poster that includes facts about Javelina from the video or game and fish website

Create a board game based on the book

Research the different animals and plants mentioned in the book and create a slideshow or clips movie