Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Zoo-Goers Ready to Greet Baby Panda

For Students 2nd - 6th
The Smithsonian's National Zoo, also known as the Washington Zoo, is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. Youngsters read and discuss a news article about Tai Shan, baby panda that was one of the zoos most famous residents. They...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Worksheet 1. Reading: Giant Pandas

For Students 3rd - 5th
In this reading comprehension learning exercise, students read a passage about giant pandas. They then answer the 8 true/false questions using the information they just read.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Connecting to China

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students use the internet to research the culture of China. In groups, they examine the giant pandas and draw their own picture of the two interacting. They also write a paragraph describing what they saw and can share it with the class.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Historical Moments

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Here is a instructional activity designed to be an ongoing task for the entire year. Each day of the week, learners must perform research to answer a simple historical question. This particular instructional activity covers the month of...
Website
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian National Zoo

For Students 9th - 10th
Here is the National Zoological Park right at our fingertips. Students will find many things to explore at this colorful and engaging site. Any study of animals will have a successful start here. Chances are students can catch their...
Handout
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian National Zoo: Giant Pandas

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides a detailed overview of pandas, and focuses on Mei Xiang & Tian Tian at the National Zoo. Content includes information on panda habitat and current conservation efforts, as well as including photos, live web cams,...
Activity
Read Works

Read Works: What's New at the Zoo

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read about some new animals to live at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in cause and effect.
Graphic
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian National Zoo: Animal Cams

For Students 9th - 10th
This site features a variety of live animal cams including cams of the lions, the giant pandas, and the elephants. In addition to the live cams, information on each animal is provided.
Website
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian National Zoo: Zoogoer Magazine: Bamboo Bears

For Students 9th - 10th
This article covers a variety of topics related to the panda including Diet and Destiny, Panda Society, and Reproduction.
Handout
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian National Zoo: Red Pandas

For Students 9th - 10th
As part of the Asia Trail exhibit at the National Zoo, this site highlights various facts and interesting information on the Red pandas. In addition to several pictures, the site provides a description and information on habitat, diet,...
Activity
Read Works

Read Works: Bear Care

For Teachers 6th
[Free Registration/Login Required] An interview with Lisa Stevens, caretaker of the giant pandas at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Article
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian National Zoo: Zoogoer Magazine: Under the Giant Panda's Umbrella

For Students 9th - 10th
"Under the Giant Panda's Umbrella," in Zoogoer Magazine, focuses on facts and information related to the giant panda. Topics introduced in the article include More Gold, Diverse Deer, Fantastic Flyers, Predators, and more.
Website
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian National Zoo: Zoogoer Magazine: Giant Panda Conservation Today

For Students 9th - 10th
This article contains interesting and important information on conservation efforts on behalf of Giant Pandas.
Website
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian National Zoo: Zoogoer Magazine: Bear Conservation Around the World

For Students 9th - 10th
This article examines individual species of bears in reference to conservation including the Giant panda, Spectacled bear, Sun Bear, Sloth bear, American Black Bear, Asiatic black bear, Brown Bear, and more.
Website
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian National Zoo: Classification Systems

For Students 9th - 10th
A great overview of the science of classification. Topics addressed include summaries of the five kingdoms, the seven taxa, the definition of a species and the classification of the panda.
Handout
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian National Zoo: Meet Our Animals

For Students Pre-K - 1st
This site from the National Zoological Park provides extensive information about many types of animals. Just click on the category you need. Includes pictures and live web cams.
Graphic
Curated OER

Panda Eating Bamboo

For Students 9th - 10th
The Smithsonian National Zoo provides detailed information about Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, the only two pandas currently in North America. Content also includes information about pandas in general, research being conducted at the zoo and...
Graphic
Curated OER

Mei Xiang Drinking

For Students 9th - 10th
The Smithsonian National Zoo provides detailed information about Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, the only two pandas currently in North America. Content also includes information about pandas in general, research being conducted at the zoo and...