Overview

Students gain an understanding of how human activity is threatening biodiversity and then argue for a plan to save it.

Save a species

Lesson plan information

Teacher guide

Objectives

• Students will explore the concept of ecosystems.
• Students will prepare a report that argues for specific results.

Prerequisite skills

• Basic research skills using Microsoft Encarta

How to begin

1. In the Encarta Reference Library 2005, go to the article "Endangered Species," and show the students an enlarged image of the sea otter. As a class, read the caption that describes how waterborne pollutants harm these creatures.
2. Discuss other types of human activity that threaten animals, and brainstorm possible solutions.
3. Tell students that in this activity they will work in pairs and act as conservationists, writing a report arguing for the preservation of a species.

Student activity

Description

In this activity, you will create a multimedia report describing the risks to a species and ideas for preserving it.

Step 1: explore biodiversity

• Software: Microsoft Encarta
• What to do
  Research biodiversity, and begin thinking about preservation of species

1. Start Encarta, and click Articles. In Encarta Reference Library 2005, read the article "Endangered Species," including the sidebars, such as "The Biodiversity Issue: Is Nature at Risk?" by environmentalist Stevenson Swanson.
2. Review Section III in the article, which describes preservation efforts. This will be a good starting point for developing ideas to save your species.

Step 2: research an endangered species

• Software: Microsoft Encarta
• What to do
  Select an endangered species, and research it

1. Review the list of endangered animals in the multimedia slides, and select a lesser-known animal as your subject.
2. Use Encarta to research this species―its habitat, characteristics, and endangered status. Browse related entries, multimedia, and Web sites suggested by the articles.

Research tip: Use the Encarta World Atlas found in the Maps tool to explore your subject's habitat and the human societies which influence its life.

Step 3: advocate for the preservation of an endangered species

• Software: Microsoft Encarta
• What to do
  Prepare a report on why this species should be saved and the steps your recommend to save it

1. Gather information from all appropriate articles, sidebars, media features, and Web sources.

Suggestion: Use maps and other media from Encarta World Atlas to illustrate this species' habitat.

2. Explain why it is important this species be saved and the steps you recommend to save it.
3. Use the Encarta Researcher in the Homework Center to help you organize your information and outline your report.
4. Prepare your report. Try preparing and presenting your report in one of these ways:

• Write a Word document in which you copy and paste maps and pictures.
• Write a brochure to "advertise" the importance of this species and why it should be saved.
• Write a letter to a person responsible for making environmental decisions in your area to tell them of your interest in protecting this species.

5. Take turns presenting your report to each other to evaluate how effectively you have "made your case."

Ways to extend the student activity

Create a class collage of the world's parks and heritage sites using Encarta Reference Library 2005 World Atlas, highlighting the regions in which the students' endangered species live.

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