LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has developed a program to help middle schoolers learn about Michigan's plants and animals by focusing on a year in the life of a bear.

Participating students will learn about the life cycle of the Michigan black bear, general black bear biology and behavior, and how the DNR manages and maintains a healthy black bear population. A guide for educators with activities and video lessons will be provided.

Classes also will be able to use data points from a radio-collared bear to track its seasonal movements.

The program is free of charge and open to all interested educators of students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades.