Wild and Wonderful Lessons About Endangered Species

Cara Bafile, Education World®

If your classroom seems like a zoo some days, don't worry. It's just the primal calls of students who need a captivating and engaging topic of study -- endangered species! This week, Education World puts the diversity of rare plants and animals to work in lessons that will tame the most ferocious of five- to fifteen-year-olds.

As their populations dwindle, the number of endangered and threatened species catalogued by groups like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service continues to grow, drawing attention to the need for increased awareness about the plight of rare animals and plants. And because of their "wild" nature, students love endangered species. Take time out during this year's observance of Earth Day to focus on the rarest of gems -- endangered animals and plants -- with lessons that emphasize research and real-life!

Four Lessons for Teaching About Endangered Species

1. Species Charades
   Introduce young students to the variety of endangered species with a game of charades. (Grades PreK-2)
    
2. Tracking the Wild Ones
   Use statistics about endangered species to learn more about the extent of this global concern. (Grades 3-8)
    
3. Web of Life
   Investigate endangered species and how they impact the environment to complete a "web of life." (Grades 3-8)
    
4. Save the ___ Story Board
   Play "webmaster" and design a site that will help to save an endangered species. (Grades 6-Advanced)

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