To Eat or To Be Eaten?

Title: Predator vs Prey

Grade: 2nd
Standards
RL.2.1 Ask and answer questions as who, what, when, where, why, and how
to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
2-LS4-1 Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of
life in different habitats.
Objectives
Students will answer questions pertaining to the different animals
encountered by the family in the story.
Students will identify whether specific animals are predators or prey based off
of the information presented and previous knowledge.
Materials
Who pooped in the park? Yellowstone National Park by Gary D. Robson
Large notebook paper stand
Markers
Activity
Bring the class to the designated reading area and bring the large notebook
paper stand. Start by dividing the paper into two sections, labeling one side
predator and the other prey. Do a think-pair-share about the meanings of
the two words. Allow for a few students to share their ideas with the group.
Write down the agreed upon definition on the board.
Explain that the students will be responsible for classifying each animal
encountered in the book as either a predator or prey. Read Who pooped in
the park? Yellowstone National Park by Gary D. Robson. When a new animal is
seen use the think-pair-share model to justify the classification. Once agreed
upon, write the animal on one side of the board. Ensure that students
thoroughly explain why each animal fits in a category.
Play the game Mosquito, Trout, Bear
o Divide the class into two groups with each group on opposite sides of
an area outside or in the gym.
o The group will quickly decide to be a bear, trout, or fly (keeping it
secret to the other side).
o After a few seconds, have the groups both come to a half way point.
o Count down to three and each group will perform their agreed upon
character. (Bears will raise their arms and roar, fish will pretend they
have gills, and flies will make wings and buzz).
o Once the students start to act out their selection, the predator in the
group will chase a lightly tag the prey. The prey will try to run back to
their side before being tagged.
Bears eat trout

o
o

Trout eat mosquitoes

Mosquitoes eat bears.
If tagged, the prey will become a predator.
Continue until all students are part of one group.

Assessment
While reading, assess the students understanding of predator vs prey. Adjust
instruction and questioning based on student response. Make sure students
justify why animals are either predators or prey.
Citations
Robson, G. D., & Clark, E. B. (2004). Who pooped in the park? Helena, MT:
Farcountry Press.