Lions

Objectives:

• Students will be able to describe the physical characteristics of lions.

• Students will be able to identify the behavioral characteristics of lions.

• Students will be able to explain how lions live socially.

Suggested Grades:

3rd Grade - 4th Grade - 5th Grade

Lesson Procedure:

Print the reading comprehension worksheet passage and questions (see below).

Students should read the passage silently, then answer the questions. Teachers may also use the text as part of a classroom lesson plan.

Lesson Excerpt:

Lions are one of four "big cats" in the genus (group) called Panthera. On average, lions are the second largest cats next to tigers, though some male lions can be bigger than tigers. The average male lion weighs between 385 and 450 pounds, while females weigh between 250 and 320 pounds. They live in the African savannah, where tall, dry grass is close to the color of a lion's coat. This makes it easy for lions to blend into their surroundings. Lions live mostly on the ground, but will occasionally climb trees.

Male lions are the only cats with manes. The mane protects the lion's neck from the teeth and claws of other animals. Lions are the only big cats that hunt together.

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