Lewis & Clark Site Map

Craft Project "C"
JOINTED GRIZZLY BEAR

CONNECTION TO LEWIS AND CLARK
Lewis and Clark saw many grizzly bears in the western part of America. Captain Lewis described them in his notebook. He wrote about their large size, their long claws and sharp teeth. He told exciting stories of how fierce and brave they were.

OVERVIEW OF THIS ACTIVITY
Students cut out and assemble a grizzly bear with moveable legs. After the bear is assembled, students draw special features on it--fur, claws, and teeth. The assembled bear is designed to stand on all four legs as well as upright on its back legs.

PURPOSE(S)
To foster appreciation of animals and their unique characteristics; to develop motor skills and the ability to follow directions.

MATERIALS NEEDED

• GRIZZLY BEAR PATTERN (Download)
• Sheets of light brown construction paper, or tan colored regular paper.

TOOLS NEEDED

• Scissors
• Hand held paper punches
• Felt markers or colored pencils
• Glue sticks

ADVANCE PREPARATION

1. Download pattern from website
2. Copy on photocopier, using the heaviest paper possible. Use paper in shades of brown or tan if available. If only white is available, students may color the pieces before cutting them out.

IMPLEMENTATION:
Have students help prepare the bear for assembly according to their skill levels.

1. Cut out bear parts and fold to create a double thickness, and glue sides together.
2. Before assembling, draw mouth, teeth, fur, and claws on bear pieces.
3. With a handheld paper punch, make a hole on all O marks.
4. Line up legs with holes and fasten with round headed paper fasteners.
5. Bear Stand: If the bear will not stand up by itself, create a stand for it as follows: Cut a strip of light cardboard 3 x 3/4 inches; fold in half and make 1/4 inch cut 1/2 inch from each end. Partially unfold the strip and insert bear's back feet into the slots.

FOLLOW-UP SUGGESTIONS

1. Purchase "price tags" with strings attached from an office supply shop (or have students make their own with card stock scraps and yarn). Let students name their bears, then write its name on one side of the tag and their own name on the other. Tie the tag around the bear's neck.
   
   
2. To display students' work, assemble a Teddy's Bear's Picnic. Place a red-checked cloth on a small table. Place the bears in a circle on the cloth in various poses. In the center set tiny baskets and fill with miniature foods (available at craft stores).
   
   
3. Let students take their bears home and share what they have learned about Lewis and Clark meeting grizzly bears on their journey west.