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Lesson 2:
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Lesson
Handouts
Academic Standards
Philanthropy Framework
3rd-5th Grade
Subjects:

Arts, Language Arts, Library / Technology and Science

Key Words/Concepts click to view
ART: Visual Arts
ELA: Audience; Author's Style/Purpose; Fact/Opinion; Literary Response; Non-Fiction Literature; Presentations; Research; Resources; Understanding/Interpretation
PHIL: Advocacy; Need; Problem Solving; Reflection
SCI: Adaptation; Animals; Conservation; Ecosystems; Environment; Habitat; Natural Resources; Nature; Plants; Pollution

Purpose:

The purpose of this lesson is to give each learner an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of an endangered species (animal) of their own choosing.  Each learner will "adopt" an endangered animal to research. They will then write and illustrate a non-fiction text, based on their research, designed to educate others about their selection and what could be done to prevent the extinction of their selected species.

Duration:

Two Forty-Five Minute Class Periods

Objectives:

The learner will:

  • select an endangered animal species to research.
  • research and record information on the Information Record Sheet  (Attachment One)
  • create a non-fiction text about the selected endangered species as outlined on the Endangered Species Non-Fiction Text Rubric (Attachment Two)

Materials:

  • Class set of the Information Record Sheet (Attachment One)
  • Endangered Species Non-Fiction Text Rubric (Attachment Two)
  • Construction paper
  • Writing paper, pencils, crayons, colored pencils, and markers
  • Stapler or book binding machine
  • Library books on a variety of endangered species
  • The chart paper listing the ideas how extinction might be avoided from Lesson One
  • (Optional) Student access to On-line Computers
Handout 1
Information Record Sheet
Handout 2
Endangered Species Non-Fiction Text Rubric

Teacher Preparation:

It is recommended that a variety of books articles, pamphlets, etc. dealing with endangered animals be obtained and readily available for the learners to use during this lesson.

It is further recommended that prior arrangements be made with another teacher to have the learners visit this other classroom to share their stories.  

Instructional Procedure(s):

Anticipatory Set:

Read the book, Almost Gone: The World's Rarest Animals (ISBN #0060536004) to students.  Ask comprehension questions such as:  What is the name of one of the endangered animals identified in this book?  What is the animal's habitat? Why is this animal endangered?  Can anything be done to help the animal from becoming extinct?  What?

  • Explain to learners that today they will be doing some research of their own to learn more about an endangered animal of their choosing. 
  • To assist them in doing their research have them select from the assortment of pre-selected books or articles organized by the teacher or if On line Internet is available have the learners access www.kidsplanet.org/factsheets/map to begin their selection and research project.
  • Distribute a copy of the Information Record Sheet (Attachment One) to each learner explaining how the sheet is to be used. 
  • Inform the learners that they will be using the information they find in their research to create a book similar to the one that was read to them today.
  • Distribute and demonstrate how the learners are to create a non-fiction book about their selected endangered spices utilizing the Endangered Species Non-Fiction Text Rubric (Attachment Two)  
  • Tell the learners that they will use the information from their Information Record Sheet (Attachment One) to create their book.  Remind them  that their illustrations should match the words on the respective page. 
  • When the research and books are completed, have the learners take turns reading their books to the class. Have the learners discuss why it might be important/helpful to share what they have discovered during their research with other students. 
  • Take some time to discuss and identify the hoped-for outcomes of such sharing of information, then have the learners read their stories to another class in the school in order to share their knowledge with others.

Assessment:

The learner's successful completion of the Information Record Sheet (Attachment One), the book writing based on the Endangered Species Non-Fiction Text Rubric (Attachment Two), and the knowledge and skill evident in the book sharing with other learners will form the basis for the assessment of this lesson.

School/Home Connection:

After the books are shared with the students in another class, ask the learners to take them home to read, share and discuss with their family.

Bibliographical References:

Lesson Developed By:

Kristen Fricke
Mona Shores Public Schools
Ross Park Elementary
Muskegon, MI 49441

Handouts:

Handout 1Print Handout 1

Information Record Sheet

Endangered Species Information Record Sheet

Name:____________________________________________________________________

Name of Animal: ____________________________________________________________

Habitat: ___________________________________________________________________

Here is a picture of the animal in its habitat:







 

 

List some causes explaining why the animal is endangered: ____________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

List some ways that we can protect the animal: ______________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Handout 2Print Handout 2

Endangered Species Non-Fiction Text Rubric

Story Writing : Endangered Species Non-Fiction Books
 
Student Name:     ________________________________________  
 
CATEGORY 3 2 1
Title Title is related to the story and topic. Title is present, but does not appear to be related to the story and topic. No title. 
Organization The story is pretty well organized. One idea or scene may seem out of place. Clear transitions are used. The story is a little hard to follow. The transitions are sometimes not clear. Ideas and scenes seem to be randomly arranged.
Illustrations Illustrations are colorful and relate to the words on the page. Illustrations relate to the text on the page. Illustrations are not present OR they do not relate to the words on the page.
Focus on Assigned Topic Most of the story is related to the assigned topic. The story wanders off at one point, but the reader can still learn something about the topic. Some of the story is related to the assigned topic, but a reader does not learn much about the topic. No attempt has been made to relate the story to the assigned topic.
Accuracy of Facts Almost all facts presented in the story are accurate. Most facts presented in the story are accurate (at least 70%). There are several factual errors in the story.
Details Almost all of the written details were met. Most of the written details were met, but several were not. Many requirements were not met.

Philanthropy Framework:

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Unit Contents:

Overview:Endangered Species--It's Not Too Late Summary

Lessons:

1.
What Are Endangered Species?
2.
Create to Educate!
3.
Adopt a Species!

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