Endangered Species and You by Sarah Walling, University of Georgia

by Sarah Walling, University Of Georgia

This webquest is designed for students studying Endangered Species.  The students get into groups of two and follow the webquest. The end result being a presentation advising the "state Legislature" on the endangered animal you choose and ways in which it can be saved.

Introduction

                    Endangered  Species and You!!!    

As head of the North Atlantic Endangered Species Society (NAESS) you have just been informed that the funding for your program is in serious danger of being reduced and it is up to you to increase awareness for your quest and to convince other conservationists to stand with you in your journey to save yet another endangered species.  To do so you need to pick one animal to be your primary interest and gather as much information on both its physical and behavioral characteristics as possible.  Then take this information and other research you have done on current projects that are trying to save this animal and come up with a plan to present to congress.  Your presentation should consist of a brochure outlining the information you have gathered.

Task

  Please Save Us!!!

First, you will define what an endangered species is, then choose one in which you will focus your study.  Second, with the information found in the research process, you will identify its attributes, and suggest how to improve its chances of survival. Identify ways in wich you/society can help save this species.  Ultimately, you want to convince fellow conservationists to help on your quest. You will create a brochure with all of this information using Microsoft Publisher.

Process

Procedure:

Get into groups of 2; One person should do the primary research on the animal and the other person should compile the research on current programs/laws on endangered species.  Both students should make a single brochure together.

1. Pick Animal

 https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/directory?direction=desc&sort=extinction_status

2. Research animals characteristics

             Habitat, Diet, physical features, mating strategies (ex. If this particular animal only nests or mates in one particular area), interaction with other animals, how this animal affects humans, behavioral features

3. Document current research/ Programs that are trying to save endangered species

             Laws on endangered species, programs, where funding for these programs come from, how can you get involved

http://www.kidsplanet.org/factsheets/esa.html

https://stmarystn.follettdestiny.com

4. Come up with a plan to save your endangered species

https://www.fws.gov/endangered/

https://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/

            This can include continuing with research someone else has started or something completely unique.  Outline how you as a conservationist can make a difference and how the average person can help change the fate of this animal.

5. Brochure

Start a new Microsoft Publisher document. Select "Broshure." Work together to complete a high quality, persuasive brochure to present to the state legislature.

            Photos/pictures of your animal

            Description of Animal

            Your plan to save this species

Should be both attractive and persuasive you will be presenting your brochure to other “conservationists” in class.

Conclusion

Congratulations!!!

All your hard work has paid off and you have thoroughly prepared a well thought out and concise presentation that the state government can't ignore.  You are one step closer to saving an endangered species.  The government can't ingore this problem anymore.

In this lesson, you have learned and hopefully have gained a sense of responsibility about the animals and plants around you, you have also learned that through hard work and dedication one person can make a difference.  This doesnt have to be the end of our journey, feel free to further explore ways in which you can help save an endangered species.  There are many programs in which you can adopt and sponsor an animal that needs your help.

Thanks again for your work!!!

Credits

Permission is granted for others to use and modify this WebQuest for educational, non-commercial purposes as long as the original authorship is credited. The modified WebQuest may be shared only under the same conditions. See the Creative Commons Attribution • Non-Commercial • Share-Alike license for details.