Night Howls

The sound of a coyote pack. Science concept: NGSS Ecosystems, Energy and Dynamics to include social interactions and group behavior. 

Possible Guiding, Compelling and/or Anchoring Questions

• Why do animals stay in groups instead of alone? 
• How does  pack behavior enhance survival? 
• What differences are there in pack behaviors between domesticated animals and wild animals and why?
• How does being part of an animal group help the animals obtain food?
• How does being part of an animal group help the animals defend themselves?

Classroom Suggestions

• Upon first listen, students might be unsure as to what animal is being heard. An investigation into pack behaviors of different animals and incidents where animals don't live in packs will lead to possible reasons that pack behavior is advantageous to animals living in the wild.
• Sounds in the night brainstorm: Ask students to recall times when they have heard sounds in the night that they did not recognize. What animals make solitary calls and which are in groups?
• Animal Group Effects worksheet: Students use cause and effect reasoning to look at group behavior advantages for animal groups
• Animal Groups: What Purpose do they Serve?: Includes description of an activity where students act as a pack of banded mongooses and use benefits of the group to detect a predator. This activity can include listening as well as watching for predators.
• Grade 3 - 3-LS2 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics: Includes a number of reinforcing activities

Related Resources

• Iowa DNR Wildlife: Contains data for different animal populations in Iowa by season and year.
• The Wonder of Science: Assessment, activities, videos and storylines to accompany standard
• Wandering Outdoors: Fascinating facts about coyote behavior