Kids Speak Up for Imperiled Polar Bears

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Kids are "extremely concerned" that polar bears are at high risk for extinction, according to a recent Environmental Report Card poll.

There's good reason for their concern. Polar bears are the world's largest land-dwelling carnivores. Their scientific name, Ursus maritimus, meaning "sea bear," reflects the fact that these mammals spend much of their lives around water. They are excellent swimmers and can move at about 6.2 miles per hour, even in the coldest seas.

Most scientists think that, because of climate change, polar bears are now in serious trouble. Sea ice in the Arctic is melting earlier and forming later each year. This means that polar bears are left with less time on the ice to hunt for food and build up their fat stores for survival in the cold. As their ice habitat shrinks, skinnier and hungrier polar bears face grave challenges, says the World Wildlife Fund. If current climate trends continue unchanged, polar bears could become extinct by the end of this century. 

On Scholastic's Save the Planet message board, kids have participated in several lively online discussions about the possible fate of polar bears. In most instances, the kids have freely expressed their concern for the polar bear's wellbeing.

"I've never seen a polar bear in real life before... only on TV. It's not fair," wrote Dustfinger.

"I want my grandkids to be able to see a polar bear!!!" added frequent poster SnapeIsMyHomie .

Helping Children Explore & Protect Our Planet
Sprung discusses several ways to introduce children to the issues of ecology and conservation. During the early childhood years, teachers should provide children with a learning environment that fosters a love of nature and a commitment to preserving the Earth's precious natural resources. For more information and suggested readings, click on the links to "Home-School Connection" and "Resources."

Global Warming: Doing Something Is Better Than Nothing | Kids' Environmental Report Card 2008
What are kids willing to do to help stop global warming? Some things, but not everything according to recent poll results.

Earth Day
Earth Day is a global holiday that celebrates our planet's environment. Every year on April 22, people host different events to remember the Earth. But Earth Day is not just about appreciating the environment's about preserving it as well.

LESSON PLAN

Climate Change Students will read about factors that can impact Earth's climate and demonstrate understanding by answering reading comprehension questions.