Last updated: April 22, 2021
Lesson Plan
Save the Endangered Species!
- Grade Level:
- Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
- Subject:
- Literacy and Language Arts,Science,Social Studies
- Lesson Duration:
- 30 Minutes
- State Standards:
- SS 5.G2.1. Describe how natural and human-caused changes to habitats or climate can impact our world.
- Additional Standards:
- 3.LS4.4. Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem cause when the environment changes.
MS-LS2-4 Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.
Essential Question
What responsibility do humans have to protect species?
Objective
Students will:
• Learn about the California Condor, an endangered species at Grand Canyon
• Complete original research about endangered species
• Create an original poster about an endangered species they want to protect
Preparation
Materials Needed
- Paper (poster paper if available)
- writing utensils (pencil, pen, colored pencils, markers, etc.)
- Internet access for research (if available)
Lesson Hook/Preview
What are some important plant and animal species that need protection? How can humans help to protect these species so that they are able to survive?
Procedure
Engage
What is something that is very special to you? Why is it special to you? Take some time to think and/or write about these special things.
Explore
Have students share what they find special and why it is important to them. Are there similarities between the objects shared? Are there differences?
Explain
Just as we all have special things or species that we want to protect, there are some plant and animal species that are set aside as significant ones in need of protection. These are known as endangered species, which means there is a limited number of the population left in existence. One endangered species at Grand Canyon National Park is the California Condor. The California Condor is a bird that was on the brink of extinction in the early 1980s, when there were only 22 condors left in the wild! Scientists and researchers decided to intervene and establish Captive Breeding Centers to help restore the Condor population. Today, there are around 300 Condors in the wild and 500 total in existence. The California Condor is just one endangered species, but there are many others both at the Grand Canyon and all over the world. Allow some time for discussion. Why should certain plants and animals should be protected? How can humans help protect these species?
Elaborate
Now, have students create their own poster about an endangered species! Ask students to research different endangered species. Teachers could also provide a list of species. Ask them to choose one species that they are passionate about and feel needs protection. They can research a few key ideas about their species. Why is it endangered? When did it become endangered? What are some current efforts humans are participating in to try and protect them? Then, have them draw and color their own poster and include an original slogan. Students can use colored utensils and their artistic skills to make their poster creative. Students can research examples of endangered species posters and/or announcements for inspiration.
Evaluate
Now, have students hang their posters up around the room and spend some time walking around looking at all of them. Ask students to share their poster designs, explain why they chose their specific species, why they feel it should be protected, and how they think humans can aid in protecting it. Have students compare and contrast the endangered species they chose. Students can continue to share their work with peers, friends, and family. If desired, students can further research their chosen species to learn more. Ask them to brainstorm ways that they could help protect endangered species and/or make a difference in their own home.