(14)  Science concepts. The student knows that natural events and human activities can alter Earth systems. The student is expected to: (B)  analyze how natural or human events may have contributed to the extinction of some species

(2)  Scientific processes. The student uses scientific inquiry methods during field and laboratory investigations. The student is expected to: (C)  organize, analyze, evaluate, make inferences, and predict trends from direct and indirect evidence

  Objective 1: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the nature of science.

Objective 5: The student will demonstrate an understanding of earth and space systems.

Students will choose and research a known Texas endangered species. Students will determine the cause of peril of their particular species. Students will analyze the cause, develop a plan that could have saved or will help prevent endangerment or extinction. Students will then make recommendations to solve the endangerment of the species in their presentations. Students will write a letter to a community/state leader soliciting support of their action plan.

Why should we save endangered species? Why should we care?

Why should we spend the money to preserve the animals?

Why are some animals becoming endangered?

Can endangerment or extinction be prevented?

How can a community help?

How can you help?

1.       Students will choose a Texas endangered species to research using laptops.

2.       Students will gather information on their species to determine how it became endangered.

3.       Students will create and recommend a plan to improve the status of the species.

4.       Students will develop presentations to share their plans of resolution.

5.       Students will choose the presentation format to share their recommendations with the class.

Ex. PowerPoint, movie maker, Microsoft word pamphlet

6.       Students will evaluate each others presentations using a student generated rubrics.   

7. Research groups will write a letter to a community leader to solicit support for their endangered species.

Knowledge: Students will gain basic information by researching their chosen species.

Application: Student s will prepare their presentations to share information gathered from research.

Analysis: Students will examine why the species have been placed on an endangered list.

Synthesis: Students will develop a plan to reduce the endangerment and present their ideas to their peers.

Evaluation: Students will judge information presented, their plan of action and presentations using their rubrics.

Flexible grouping: Students will be assigned partners to ensure strong students are paired with weaker students.

Exit cards: Students needing organizational assistance will be given timelines to be checked on a daily basis.

Laptops

Microsoft PowerPoint

Macromedia Movie maker

Microsoft Word

Teacher, internet, notes from class, character disscussion/lessons