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http://www.wwf.org.my/about_wwf/what_we_do/species_main/orang_utan/index.cfm
In The Lorax, Dr. Seuss introduces the "Once-ler" who cuts down the beautiful Truffula tress so that he can use their wonderful silk tufts to knit "thneeds". Thneed sales are so successful that the Once-ler builds a factory and invents the Super Axe Hacker which cuts down four trees at a time. The Lorax speaks up in defense of the trees, animals, air and water that the Once-ler is destroying in pursuit of bigger and bigger profits. Finally, when the last Truffula tree is cut down, production of the Thneeds ends. Closed factories, polluted air, polluted water and an uninhabitable wasteland are all that remain on the once beautiful site. The Lorax can no longer live here, but he leaves behind a small pile of rocks on which the word UNLESS is inscribed.
The Lorax illustrates an ecosystem in which living and non-living parts interact. All of the parts are linked together and functions as a unit. When one of the parts is altered or damaged, the entire system may fail.
In this project, students select an endangered animal to "speak for" and try to convince others that it should be saved. Students research their habitat and niche, feeding and reproductive patterns, reasons for becoming endangered, protective actions being taken, and whether or not the conservation steps are working. They create a visual to share with classmates and discuss the chosen endangered species in small groups.
Step 1: Select an endangered animal to study from Red List or the Federal Endangered Species List.
Choose something listed as: Near threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, or Extinct in the Wild.
Use one of the following links (or get some ideas from the lists in #2):
Step 2: Research your chosen organism using the internet (a few suggested links below and/or library resources).
Helpful Links for Endangered Species Research
World Wildlife Federation (photo list) (WWF Species Directory)
E species Fact Sheets-- Defenders of Wildlife
Endangered, Threatened and Special Concern Fish & Wildlife Species of New York State (DEC)
Step 3: Complete the question sheet provided to you in class. Be prepared to "Speak for your Animal" in class with a small group of students.
Step 4: Prepare a visual
Create a Google presentation to share with your group as you "speak for your animal" in class. You will display this on your Chromebook as you share with a small group of 4-5 classmates.
Create a Google Slide Show (approximately 3-5 slides) and include the following.
1. Your name
2. Name of animal (common name)
3. Image of animal (1 or more)
4. What is its status on the IUNC Red list (vulnerable, endangered, critically endangered, or extinct in the wild)?
5. Where does your animal naturally live (continent/country and biome/habitat)? Include an image of the biome or a map.)
6. Why it is in trouble? What are the causes of reduced population?
7. What is being done to restore the animal’s population?
Endangered Species Visual Grading Rubric
Please only include these points in your presentation for the sake of focusing on the objective – learning about the causes of loss of biodiversity.
Example of an Endangered Species Slide Show
Video about the IUNC Red List
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