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Behind the News 2008

Elephant Culling

Curriculum Outcome Links: Society and Environment/HSIEDATE 4/03/08

Subject:Animal culling

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Behind the News 2008

Student learning outcomes

Students will:

  • Develop an understanding of what culling is and why it occurs.
  • Understand different perspectives regarding the issue of culling.
Focus Questions
  1. Why were elephants shot last century?
  2. What year was there a worldwide ban on ivory trading?
  3. How many elephants live in KrugerNational Park in South Africa?
  4. What is culling?
  5. Why do authorities want to resume elephant culling?
  6. Why do some people believe this is wrong?
  7. What are some alternatives to culling?
  8. What might be some of the issues with using some of these alternatives?
  9. Describe what you know about culling or plans to cull animals in Australia.
  10. What do park rangers believe are threatened because of elephant over-population?
To cull or not to cull…
  1. In small groups, research the reasons for culling animals. Topics to explore could include:
  • Economic
  • Cultural
  • Environmental.
  1. Develop a case for or against animal culling stating the reasons why you believe it should or shouldn’t happen.
  1. Present your case to the class. Consider how you will present the information. Some suggestions include:
  2. A formal class debate
  3. Powerpoint presentation
  4. Role play
  5. Using graphic organisers (Inspiration software)

4. Tell us what you think about the issue on the Behind the News Guestbook

Knowing
What do you now know about culling that you didn’t know before?
Understanding
Research animal culling in Australia. Show on a map areas that have either culled or are planning to cull animals. Show graphically what the animals are and the reasons for doing it.
Applying
Design a leaflet or poster for an animal rights group or a pro-culling group advertising your point of view.
Analysing
Do you think the type of animal being culled affects how people feel about the act of culling?
Creating
Createan art work or cartoon based on the topic of animal culling.
Evaluating
Tally the number of people in your class or other classes that are for or against culling. Do you think this represents the view of society? Why or why not?

 Related Research Links

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Behind the News 2008

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Behind the News 2008