Hibernation

Whether it feels like spring or not, spring is now upon us and animals are beginning to awaken from their long winter’s sleep. Wake up your math mind with these hibernation-themed problems!

Early Childhood:

Preparing for his long winter’s sleep, a squirrel tucked away 54 acorns in his nest. During the first month of winter he ate 12 acorns. How many acorns did he have left? Write an equation to show your thinking.

Upper Elementary:

Black bears can hibernate up to 7 ½ months. Approximately how many days is that? Write a math rule to explain how you solved this problem.

Middle School:

During hibernation, male black bears can lose up to 30% of their body weight, while female black bears lose 40% body weight. If the average black bear weighs 250 lbs, how much do you estimate the bear would weigh after hibernation? If the average female weighs 150 lbs, what do you estimate the female bear weighs after hibernation? Write a matching equation with a variable to show your thinking.

Featured Websites:

Early Childhood: Hibernation Classroom Activities for Kids

Upper Elementary: Winter Hibernation 

Middle School: Hibernating Hedgehog Math