The bear is a powerful symbol of wilderness and a large part of what makes the mountain landscape special. A healthy bear population means that the regional landscape also supports hundreds of other wildlife species. The Eastern Slopes region of the Canadian Rockies is the most highly developed area in North America where grizzlies live. The struggle of the bear to survive reflects many of today’s toughest issues about wildlife conservation and human use.

By understanding the bear we can help ensure its survival.

This guide includes activities that will help you explore the exhibition
Bears: 2000 and Beyond and relate it to aspects of the science, social studies, language learning, visual art, and drama curriculum. We hope you will use it in the spirit in which it is intended: as a kick-starter for ideas, a guide to be shaped through use, and as a starting point for further investigation.

As a group, these activities are designed to give students and teachers a sense of the power of the bear, an understanding of its role in history and its place in the natural environment, and an awareness of the growing need for knowledge of and respect for the bear.

The issues surrounding bears are not simple. Discussion, imagination, factual information, and critical thought are worked into the activities, some of them are designed for young children, others require the reading and comprehension skills of older students. Teachers are encouraged to pick and choose, mix and match according to their students’ needs, curriculum requirements, and time constraints.

Please copy and complete the feedback form and let us know how this package worked for you.  

Linda Hawke
Coordinator, Museum Programs and
Wendy Bush, Program Consultant

Introduction – Activities – Glossary – Guided Program
Whyte Museum – Bears: 2000 and Beyond Teacher's Guide