What do you think?
- How much did you know about river otters before this story? How did you know so much, or why did you know so little?
- What was the most surprising thing you learned watching/reading this story? Why did you find it surprising? How would you share what you’ve learn from this story with your friends and family?
- Do you think otters matter? Why or why not?
- How have your opinions on otters been influenced by media and pop culture?
- Do you think your perspectives on otters have been shaped because of the media you’ve consumed in the past? How could you learn more about otters - and different perspectives - about otters going forward without it becoming a chore?
- How do otters impact your world? If otters disappeared from a region, how might it affect your life? Would it?
- Do you know if otters live in your area? If they do, are they doing well? Are any threatened? If not, where is the closest area they are?
- What local decisions impact river otters? Are there any citizen science projects to help others learn about otters in your area? Are there community research programs? Any stories about otters? How might different careers influence the future of otters?
- Do you think our society is making well informed decisions when it comes to otters? Why do you think that? What would you do better?
- How might you be a better steward of otters through your passions and hobbies?
- What do we not know when it comes to river otters in Mount Robson, or your community? Do we know enough, or do we need to know more about their role in the ecosystem and their value to biodiversity to make important decisions for people and nature? If so, what?
- Why do otters use play to help them survive?
- Define any unknown terms (keystone species, riparian, etc.).
- What is the ‘survival of the fittest’ theory? How does this story raise a question of it’s complete validity. Why are they called theories? Can you find any other theories that were proposed in the past and have been debunked?
- What do you think a river otter can teach us?
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