Lesson Plan - 5 Big Questions About Pandas

Watch the Video
Build background knowledge by playing the video “All About Giant Pandas.” Discuss: Why do you think so many people are interested in giant pandas? Based on the video, why did this species become threatened?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• diplomacy
• deforestation

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about how visiting pandas in a zoo might help protect them in the wild.

1. What does the article mean by the phrase “panda diplomacy”?
In the article, the phrase “panda diplomacy” refers to China’s program lending giant pandas to zoos in other nations (like the United States) as a sign of friendship. This improves relationships between countries and helps giant pandas survive.
^{R.4 Determine Meaning}

2. How do China’s reserves help giant pandas?
China’s reserves help giant pandas by protecting the bamboo forests where the pandas live. These forests provide the bamboo that makes up most of the animals’ diet.”
^{R.5 Cause and Effect}

3. Based on the article, how could the giant panda species benefit from Bao Li and Qing Bao being at the National Zoo?
The article explains that millions of people will see Bao Li and Qing Bao while they are at the National Zoo. This could benefit the giant panda species because when people learn about pandas, they are more likely to donate money to help with panda conservation.
^{R.1 Text Evidence}

Featured Skill: Paired Texts
Use the skill builder “A Panda Tale” to read and analyze a traditional Chinese folktale about how giant pandas got their black spots. Then invite students to write their own creative myths to “explain” a physical characteristic of another animal species.
^{R.9 Paired Texts}