This documentary takes us on the spectacular odyssey of a Pacific salmon from egg to extinction. Watch the salmon develop and mature and begin the long journey to the Pacific ocean. Observe as it overcomes tremendous odds to survive and return to its birthplace only to find that it is the last of its kind. A Last Wild Salmon can be used in Environmental Science, Science, Geography, and Political Science classes. This documentary is suitable for Grade 7 and up.

• alovin
• cosmetically
• estuaries
• forage
• gauntlet
• millennia
• paradox
• primordial
• spawning
• urbanization
• wane
• yolk sac

1. Explain what is meant by "a last wild salmon?"

2. Using diagrams, photographs, or models, illustrate and explain the stages of salmon development from egg to adult; then compare it to human development.

3. List six conditions contributing to the decreased number of wild salmon in the Pacific Northwest. How are these issues being resolved? What action is being taken to prevent the extinction of these ancient creatures?

4. Break the class into four groups: commercial fishermen, Native Americans, sport fishermen, and environmentalists. Each group should conduct research from the perspective of the party represented. Use posters, audio, video, or dramatic interpretation to present the group's position to the class.

5. Using newspapers, the internet, magazine articles, and other resources research the "Salmon War" that is taking place between the United States and Canada. Which viewpoint do you support? Why? Conduct a meeting between the two opposing parties and try to resolve the issue. Were you able to come up with an acceptable solution? Why or why not? Can you suggest an alternate solution to the problem? Explain.

6. Describe the term "survival of the fittest."Who coined this phrase? How does it relate to the last wild salmon? Is it accurate to make this statement about the salmon when entire runs are being devastated? Why or why not?

7. In the beginning stages of life, a salmon's existence is dependent upon three laws of survival. According to our program, what are the three laws? Explain each.

8. Compare and contrast the different theories explaining the ability of the salmon to return to its exact birthplace to spawn. List other animals that have similar abilities. Do you believe this to be a natural instinct or a learned skill? Explain.

1. Outlining the steps you can take as a citizen of the world to protect the salmon of the Pacific Northwest. How can you apply this to everyday living?

2. Contact your local Sierra Club and ask them for information regarding other animals that are heading towards extinction. Invite a representative to come in and speak to your class or organize a class trip to a local nature preserve to learn more about the balance between humans and nature and what must be done in order to preserve wildlife for generations to come.

3. What are some major factors that affect the survival rate of the salmon? Using information obtained in our program calculate what percentage of salmon survive after 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Using the percentages calculated above determine the "survival rate" of your class, school, and city. If this decrease in population were occurring in cities across the world what would your reaction be? How do you think the situation would be handled? Explain.

Air Dates

• October 18, 1999