Comparing
Hares and Rabbits
Grade 6 Activity
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General Description
Students have surely already seen a rabbit or a hare,
whether in the wild or as a pet. But can they tell the
two apart? Have they heard of the lagomorphs of Canada?
In this activity, students will compare two members of
the Order Lagomorpha, the Arctic hare and the snowshoe
hare, as well as the two major groups which make up the
order, hares and rabbits.
Link with the Common Framework of Science Learning Outcomes
- 301-15 -- Compare the adaptations of closely
related animals living in different parts of the world
and discuss
reasons for any differences.
Links with Other Subjects
- Language
- Social Studies (Geography)
Duration
Approximately 45 minutes, not counting student work time.
Preparation
Before conducting this activity in the classroom, you
will need to explore the Web site Ukaliq:
The Arctic Hare (http://nature.ca/ukaliq) and read the sections relating
to the activity: Characteristics, Habitat, Range, Eat and
Be Eaten, Breeding Behaviour, Life Cycle, Naming & Classifying.
Required Materials
- computer with Internet access
- paper and pencils
Objectives
Students will:
- ask themselves about the differences among
the Arctic hare, the snowshoe hare and the cottontail
rabbit
- use the Internet to find more information on these
animals
- suggest hypotheses to explain the resemblances among
animals that live in very different habitats.
Introduction
Start by writing the words rabbit and hare on the chalkboard
and ask students to describe the differences between the
two. They may think it is the same kind of animal. They
may also know the difference between the two. Write down
what they know on the board. Then, summarize what has been
said and ask them to write their general knowledge of the
subject on a piece of paper.
Note: Do not give the answers immediately.
Now, write Arctic hare and snowshoe hare on the board.
Following the same idea, ask the students what they know
about these two mammals and write their answers on the
board. Then, summarize what has been said and ask them
once again to write their general knowledge of the subject
on a piece of paper.
Note: Do not give the answers immediately.
Development
Now take the students to the Web site Ukaliq: The Arctic
Hare so that they can broaden their knowledge of the differences
and similarities among the two hare species and the rabbits.
Mention that they can also go to other sites, but that
they must first find answers on the Ukaliq site. Ask them
to find information on the colour, size, weight, physical
features, habitat, behaviour, young and food of the two
hares and the cottontail rabbit.
Conclusion
To wind things up, lead students into a discussion on
species that have similar characteristics, but live in
different places (e.g. Arctic vs. South America). Help
them suggest hypotheses to explain these similarities (e.g.
because they eat the same things). The following are some
examples of questions that could be used as a springboard
for discussion:
Suggestions for Student Work
Students present the results of their research in tables.
These two tables, one comparing rabbits and hares, the
other comparing the Arctic hare and the snowshoe hare,
should contain the following information: colour, size,
weight, physical features, habitat, behaviour, young and
food.
Expanding the Lesson
Students compare the Arctic hare to another lagomorph
(e.g. the pika) or to a member of the order Rodentia (rodents).
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