Attean tells Matt that beavers are becoming scarce. Have students research whether this is true or not today. Discuss why they may have be endangered back then. Students may want to research other endangered animals and find out ways the class can help these situations. Make this a whole unit on endangered animals.
Students can research how beavers built their dams.
Try and construct a beaver dam out of sticks, mud and pebbles. Study farming techniques and come up with some ways to help Matt and other farmers be successful farmers. Throughout the novel, Matt and Attean use their environment in order to live. Research your environment and explore the condition of it in your community. Students could get involved in protecting their neighborhoods or city.