Extreme Survival Strategies

How do Polar vortexes, climate change, record storms, extreme weather of all kinds play havoc on our ecosystems and all the species that live there? Discover the answers by watching the four parts of this science show and reading the information below. And to take this learning adventure into your classroom, have your teacher download the free Discussion Guide at the bottom of this page so everyone can share in the fun of this inquiry based learning.

While some species thrive, like record hordes of mosquitoes, others like the loons or whooping cranes struggle to raise their broods when assaulted by record hatches of blood-sucking blackflies. Even though species have had to adapt to various stages of climate change such as glacial advances across the Midwest over the past 2.3 million years, it’s little consolation to some species enduring extreme changes each year that affect their chances of survival. And even with our modern technology, us humans must also develop new strategies to confront the challenges of surviving in the face of record snows, rains, and temperature extremes. While considering this fact, imagine what it must have been like historically for Native Americans.

So all this raises the question, “How do the species that live out in the wild survive these extreme conditions?” The answer is all about extreme survival strategies that different species have evolved over tens of thousands of years. Some strategies are similar between species while others are extremely different. To discover how many species use their unique survival strategies, watch the four segments of this exciting episode. You might even learn that you’re not supposed to mess with hibernating bears in their den as they can easily wake up and defend themselves. And for gosh sakes, don’t run from that bear!

To take this survival strategy learning to a whole new level, have your teacher download the free discussion guide so your entire classroom can participate while learning a few survival tricks from Mother Nature. If you’re an elementary or high school student, download the additional lessons we have provided to use with the discussion guide!

Plus, the educational partner noted below supported the video and lesson content here for all of us to learn from. They also offer other learning opportunities on their website. So click on their logo to discover more!

    Full Video

    Classroom Videos

    The Science of Torpor

    Classroom Assets

    Animal Adaptations Discussion Guide

    RElated Content

    Amazing Eco Trek Race

    Could you survive this gauntlet of physical and mental tests? Discover the answers by watching the four parts of this science show and reading the information below....

    Reconnecting Rivers & Invasive Species

    Maybe it's only natural that us humans rarely think about how our actions today might impact others or the environment 100 years later. That was especially true back in...

    Decoding the Science of Boating Safety

    What do physics geniuses, Archimedes and Sir Isaac Newton have to do with keeping you safe while boating? Join our outdoor adventure team as they decode the fun and...

    Women Reshaping Conservation & Hunting

    Why are women becoming the fastest growing segment of hunters in America today? Their reasons for breaking the stereotype image of men in blaze orange range from...
    Mapping the Mysteries of the Great Lakes. Man and women walking on sand towards Great Lake

    Mapping the Mysteries: Great Lakes Careers

    When a school career fair leaves the team uninspired, Diane, Jack, and Terry split up to chase down real careers around the Great Lakes—from the harbors of Sheboygan,...

    Into Fishing With Cane Poles

    In this Into the Outdoors episode, we learn about fishing with cane poles, the basics of different bait types, and safety tips for when fishing around a body of water....

    Into Boating Safety: Advanced Boating Technology

    In this Into the Outdoors episode, we’re meeting up with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary to learn more about different boating technologies that could save your...

    Grizzly Bears Beyond the Horizon

    What happens when America’s most iconic wildlife species, the grizzly bear, is not only brought back from the brink of extinction by environmental protection, but...

    Into Family Fishing in Your National Forests

    In this Into the Outdoors episode, witness the wonders you could experience while exploring our public lands as you watch four family fishing adventures taking place in...

    Into Wetland Conservation

    In this Into the Outdoors episode, we’re taking you to South Dakota to learn about how wetland habitats are being protected on both public and private lands. Join Into...

    Thank you, Partners!