1. Read the story How the Fawn Got its Spots.
2. Discuss the need for the animal to be protected.  Discuss how the Indians created a story to explain how the fawn obtained the survival features of spots and no scent.
3. Discuss the animals and the features mentioned in the story.
   • mountain lion's claws
   • grizzly bear's strength
   • wolf's teeth
   • coyote's wits
   • deer's speed
   • porcupine's quills
   • bird's feathers and the ability to fly
   • rabbit's speed
   • beaver's flat tail, webbed feet, and sharp teeth
4. Make a list of animals that live in the Effigy Mounds area, and discuss features such as tails, ears, colors, feet, calls, movements, senses, etc. of each animal.
   • stripe of a skunk
   • claw of a hawk
   • shell on a turtle
   • robin's orange breast
   • ears of a rabbit
   • rings on the raccoon
   • eyes of the eagle
   • bill of a duck
   • honk of a goose
   • tail of the fox
   • hoot of an owl
   • skin of the buffalo
   • scent of a skunk
   • speed of a mouse
   • tongue of a snake
5. Students will write a legend about the features of one of the animals the class listed (or one approved by the teacher).  The legend should include how the animal looked, sounded, walked, etc.  before the change took place, as well as the animal's current feature(s).
6. Stories can be shared with the class.

Extension/Related Activities

1. Write a legend depicting the features of an extinct animal and include a feature that may have helped the animal to survive.
2. Draw a before and after picture of your legend.
3. Draw a picture of an event in your story.
4. Try to make a list of all the animals who live in the Effigy Mounds area.