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Wonder of Wolves STEM Kit

Explore how scientists study wolves to learn about their pack dynamics and biology!

Wolf biology comes alive in this storyline. Students become wildlife biologists as they learn about wolf behavior. A pack hunting simulation based on actual computer modeling and scat analysis of hair samples analyzed microscopically demonstrate the wide variety of food sources used by wolves. Audio recordings of wolf communication convey another data point. Each kit represents a separate wolf, and the data collected throughout is used to build a class map that is analyzed to identify wolf packs, a den, and possible human conflicts.

Science and Engineering Practices include: 1) developing and using models; 2) analyzing and interpreting data; 3) using mathematics and computational thinking; 4) obtaining, evaluating and communicating information

Crosscutting Concepts include:  1) patterns; 2) cause and effect; 3) systems and system models; 4) structure and function; 5) stability and change of systems

Class Requirements

  • 6th grade and up
  • Moderate teacher preparation
  • One to two class periods
  • 30 students or less working in pairs
  • Science notebooks

Wonder of Wolves STEM Kit Resources

  • Wonder of Wolves STEM Kit Use Instructions (complete teacher guide – coming soon)
  • Wolf Analysis Template
  • Plantilla de Análisis de Lobo
  • Science Notebook Template (for use in lieu of Science Notebooks)
  • Science Notebook Template (Spanish version)
  • Science Notebook Evaluation Rubric (coming soon)
  • Wonder of Wolves STEM Kit Booklet (English and Spanish versions) (available upon request – email name and organization to Andrew Warnock)
  • 3D printer files for kit pieces
  • Hunted Deer (stl file)
  • Hunting Wolf (stl file)
  • Prey Simulation Board (stl file)
  • Map Pegs (stl file)
  • The Center for Human-Carnivore Coexistence (website)
  • Wolf Coexistence Quest (Project Hero website)
  • Wolves in Colorado (Colorado Parks & Wildlife website)

Next Generation Science Standards: Disciplinary Core Ideas

  • MS-LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems Predatory interactions may reduce the number of organisms or eliminate whole populations of organisms. Mutually beneficial interactions, in contrast, may become so interdependent that each organism requires the other for survival. Although the species involved in these competitive, predatory, and mutually beneficial interactions vary across ecosystems, the patterns on interactions of organisms with their environments, both living and non-living, are shared.
  • HS-LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems Ecosystems have carrying capacities, which are limits to the numbers of organisms and populations they can support. These

Borrowing Wonder of Wolves STEM Kits

There is no charge to educators who wish to borrow any of our STEM kits. We appreciate applications be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of the desired use date. The loan application forms require you to confirm your email address before it will be sent to the EOC – so once you click submit, check your email (including the junk folder)! You should also get a copy of the form for your records via email, if you don’t, please contact Jordan Conley (jordan.conley@colostate.edu).