HUNGRY, HUNGRY HIPPOS Learn about the 3rd largest mammal in the world. He weighs over 5,000 pounds and only eats plants! Grade(s): 2-4 Objectives (grade dependent): Student(s) will be able to: use place value to compare and order whole numbers recall and apply addition and subtraction facts compare fractional parts of whole objects use measurement tools to measure lengths use models to generate equivalent fractions relate decimals to fractions use multiplication and division to solve problems identify and describe right, acute, and obtuse angles identify the mathematics in everyday situations Supplies Needed (for each student): Copy of student page Pencil Measuring tool: tape measure or thick string/rope marked off at each 1 foot increment (one per classroom); approximately 20 feet long TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) Alignments: Grade 2 111.14.b.1.A; 111.14.b.1.C; 111.14.b.3.A Grade 3 111.15.b.1.B; 111.15.b.2.B; 111.15.b.3.A; 111.15.b.3.B; 111.15.b.11.A; 111.13.b.14.D Grade 4 111.16.b.2.A; 111.16.b.2.D; 111.16.b.3.A; 111.16.b.4.B; 111.16.b.8.A Background Information for the Teacher: Hippos, also known as the Common hippopotamus or Nile hippopotamus, are the third largest land animal after the elephant and white rhinoceros. It is the fourth largest mammal, weighing in after whales, elephants and rhinos. Due to their size, they are considered one of the most aggressive and dangerous animals in Africa. They have been clocked running at 19 mph at short distances. Some reports have even stated 30 mph! Hippopotamus is Greek for river horse and it suits their name well, since the hippo is semi-aquatic and can spend up to 12 to 16 hours a day submerged in water. They are very graceful in water, but can t swim as they are not buoyant. They propel themselves by pushing off of the bottom of the river bank if shallow enough, or off of rocks and things in the water. Sometimes the young will ride on the mother s back when the water is too deep for them to walk in.
Hippos are strict herbivores. Their diet consists of mostly grass and some aquatic plants. At night they emerge from the water to graze on land. They spend up to 5 hours grazing and can eat up to 150 pounds a night! Although the males are very territorial in the water, on land they are not. Hippos have a significant impact on the lands that they travel on at night due to their weight and size. Over time, these trails they travel on can turn into swamps, streams and channels if it rains enough. During the daytime they stay in the water or mud to remain cool and to prevent drying out. They emit a substance called blood sweat which is a chemical substance composed of an anti-bacterial agent as well as a sunscreen. Scientists are doing research on this compound to see if it can be of use to humans. Just as us humans breath automatically when we sleep, hippos also rise to the surface of the water while they are sleeping and breathe. They automatically surface every three to five minutes, but have been clocked at holding their breath for up to 25 minutes. Although it is not an endangered species, it is considered vulnerable. It is threatened by habitat loss and poaching for their meat. Their remarkable incisor teeth are in high demand as they are traded on the illegal black market for ivory. Their predators include Nile crocodiles, lions, and on young hippos, the hyena. They are very aggressive towards humans. Most hippos in zoos were born in captivity. They have an average lifespan of 40 years in the wild, but the oldest living captive hippo was recorded at 61 years old. There are enough hippos in the zoo world that obtaining wild caught animals is not needed if zoos continue to maintain the genetic diversity of the zoo breeding stock.
Name HUNGRY, HUNGRY HIPPOS STUDENT PAGE 2ND GRADE 1. We have 2 hippos at the Zoo. Our male, Tumbo, weighs 5,500 pounds. Our female, Uma, weighs 5,200 pounds. Which hippo weighs the most? Which hippo weighs the least? 2. Both hippos are 39 years old. Round that number to the nearest 10 s place. 3. Hippos spend 12 hours a day in the water. If Tumbo spends 3 hours in the water in the morning, how many hours will he probably spend in the water the rest of the day?
Name HUNGRY, HUNGRY HIPPOS STUDENT PAGE 3RD GRADE 1. A hippo s hide (skin) is about 1.4 inches thick. Which number is this the closest to: 1 or 2 inches? 2. The Zoo keepers place about 150 pounds of food a day in the exhibit for both hippos. If each hippo eats 1/2 of that amount, how many pounds does each hippo eat? 3. Look at the hippo s feet. How many toes does the hippo have on the front feet? How many toes does the hippo have on the back feet? Add those two numbers together. How many total toes does a hippo have?
4. The average length of a hippo in our exhibit is 11 feet. Using your measuring tool, how many of your classmates, standing shoulder to shoulder, would fit in 11 feet of length?
Name HUNGRY, HUNGRY HIPPOS STUDENT PAGE 4TH GRADE 1. We have 2 hippos at the Zoo. Our male, Tumbo, weighs 5,500 pounds. Our female, Uma, weighs 5,200 pounds. How much more does Tumbo weigh than Uma? 2. A human can open their mouth open to about 50 degrees wide. Hippos can open their mouths open to about 150 degrees wide. How many more times can a hippo open its mouth wider than a human? 3. A full day (daytime and nighttime) is 24 hours. A hippo spends about 12 hours a day in the water and 12 hours a day eating grass. What fraction of a day is 12 hours?
HUNGRY, HUNGRY HIPPOS ANSWERS AWV: answers will vary Hungry, Hungry Hippos 2nd Grade 1. Tumbo ; Uma 2. 40 3. 9 hours 3rd Grade 1. 1 inch 2. 75 pounds 3. 8; 6; 14 4. AWV 4th Grade 1. 300 pounds 2. 3 times more 3. 1/2