Animal World - Teacher's Guide

Overview

In this activity, the students will be introduced to some of the endangered and threatened animals and their habitats in different continents around the world. They will be asked to present information to the class about the animal, its habitat, why it is endangered and how to improve its situation.

Students can access all the Internet sites for the Interactive Activities by clicking on Students' Area in the ECB On-line homepage, then click on:

·  Interactive Activity links - The links to the Internet sites are listed under the names of the activities.
- or -

·  Elementary, Junior High, High School. Choose their coursebook.

Level

Foundation and Intermediate (Grades 6-10)

Time

Three 45-minute lessons online and additional class lessons

Group Size

Small groups

Students' Prior Knowledge

The students can ...

... follow links on the Internet.

... use a word processor or presentation program.

... give an oral presentation or demonstration in class.

Objectives

Students will ...

... become aware of animals from different parts of the world and their habitats.

... learn what has caused certain animals to be listed as endangered.

... be able to discover how man can reduce the list of endangered species.

Procedure

Explain to the students that they are going to learn about endangered and threatened animals in different areas around the world.

Brainstorm with the students what can cause an animal to become endangered.

Divide the students into groups. The Internet site they will be working with is divided into eight areas of the world: North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Australia, Arctic and Antarctic. Each group will represent a different continent or area. There can be two or more groups for each continent.

Ask the students to list how many of the ideas from the brainstorming list relate to their continent.

Give each group at least three copies of Activity One. On each page they will collect information about a specific animal. They will be going to the Internet site http://www.kidsplanet.org/. Ask them to click on Get The Facts.

Each group should choose at least three animals and complete the chart.

Presentation

Prepare a television or school awareness campaign to inform the community about the endangered and threatened animals in an area of the world. The campaign should include pictures of the animals, what has caused them to become endangered and how we can stop this from happening.

Build the habitat of one of your endangered species; write a short explanation of its surroundings, needs and how we can help it get off the endangered species list.

Draw a map of your continent with a picture and description of the animals that live on it. Don't forget to say which animals are endangered and why.

Additional Resources

Here are additional Internet sites that will provide your students with additional online information about these animals. Note: Some of these sites may be too difficult for students to read alone.

·  SeaWorld/Busch Gardens - Animal Bytes

·  The Wild Ones

·  Factsheets and News Releases on Threatened and Endangered Species

·  EnviroLink Home Page

·  World Endangered Species Home Page

Student's Worksheet

Animal World - An Endangered Animal World: Activity

To find the Internet site you need to complete this activity

·  Go to: ECB Online: www.ecb.co.il

·  Click on Student's Area

·  Click on Interactive Activity Links or look for your course book.

·  Find the activity: Animal World

·  Use these Internet sites to help you.

Choose an area of the world.

Our continent or area is ______.

The animal we choose is ______.

Status
Size
Population
Lifespan
Range
Habitat
Food
Behavior
(something special)
Offspring

List at least three things which threaten this animal?

1.  ______

2.  ______

3.  ______

Is there anyway to protect this animal? Yes / No

If no, why not? ______

If yes, how? ______

Presenting your work

Choose one or more of the animals you investigated and prepare one of the following:

A.  Prepare a television or school awareness campaign to inform the community about the endangered and threatened animals in one area of the world. The campaign should include pictures of the animals, what has caused them to become endangered and how we can stop this from happening.

B.  Build the habitat of one of your endangered species - write a short explanation of its surroundings, needs and how we can help it get off the endangered species list.

C.  Draw a picture of your continent with a picture and description of the animals that live on it. Don't forget to say which animals are endangered and why.