Endangered Animals

By K. Coolman

Subject and Grade Level Although connections with art and literacy make this unit interdisciplinary, the focus is social sciences. This unit will be done with fourth graders.

Curriculum Framing Questions Essential Question Why is protecting the Earth important? Unit Questions Whose job is it to protect the environment? Content Questions What is the difference between threatened, endangered and extinct animals? What can we do to prevent animals from becoming extinct?

Social Science Standards SS.05.GE Describe how human activity can impact the environment SS.05.SA.04 Identify characteristics of an event, issue, or problem, suggesting possible causes and results. SS.05.SA.05 Identify a response or solution and support why it makes sense, using support from research.

Learning Objectives Students will learn what animals are extinct and endangered and examine the cause of their status, as well as determine how threatened animal populations can be returned to normal levels. Students will determine the role of humans, including themselves as individuals, in environmental protection and animal conservation.

Revised Curriculum Framing Questions Possible Essential Questions: How can I make a difference? Why should we care for the Earth? Why is protecting the Earth important?

Possible Unit Questions How are animals important to me? How do animals adapt to a changing environment? How are animals being threatened/endangered? What role do humans play in habitat destruction? What can we do to prevent animals from becoming extinct? Whose job is it to protect the environment? What can I do to promote animal conservation?

Possible Content Questions What are some extinct animals? What are some endangered animals? What are some threatened animals? What is the difference between extinct/endangered/threatened animals? Where do these animals live? What do these animals have in common despite living continents apart? What animals disappeared because of adaptation and evolution?

Planned Unit Activities Mapping endangered animal habitats Research a specific species or animal Advocacy poster Comparing causes, threats and the responsible parties Do something about it! Plant a tree or protest…

Assessing Student Comprehension Journal responses to unit topics Informal observation and questioning Poster scoring rubric