Endangered Species

A Web Quest by 

Kristen Wright and Robin Reid

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Introduction | Task | Sources | Process | Guidance | Conclusion

Introduction:

An important issue that the world is facing is the loss of species. Plants and animals from around the world are becoming extinct, and it is important that we all know what we can do to stop this specie extinction.

Task:

You will be broken up into groups. Your group's task is to use the internet to research endangered species. After answering the questions on the web quest, your group will construct a chart that tells about endangered species in Tennessee. Your presentation should contain pictures and use correct scientific terms.

Sources:

Endangered Species - EndangeredSpecie.com. (2002). Endangered species. Retrieved March 21, 2004 from http://www.endangeredspecie.com/

Endangered Species Coalition. (2004). Representing the millions of Americans dedicated to a strong Endangered Species Act. Retrieved March 22, 2004 from http://www.stopextinction.org/

World Wildlife Fund. (2004). Endangered species. Retrieved March 22, 2004 from http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/species.cfm

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. (2003). Image captions. Retrieved March 21, 2004 from http://www.redlist.org/info/captions2003.html#Bunolagus%20monticularis

Process:

Your teacher will assign groups. Each group needs to work together. Please make sure that everyone in the group is contributing to the research and presentation. Begin by using the provided links to answer the following questions.

1. What are three causes of species endangerment?

2. Why should we try to save endangered species?

3. What are four ways that we can help endangered species?

4. What year was the Endangered Species Act passed?

5. How many plants and animals are on the endangered species list in the United States?

6. List three plants and three animals that are endangered in Tennessee.

7. If you could choose to save only one animal on the endangered specie list, what would it be, and why?

Here are a few links to help you get started with your research.

http://www.endangeredspecie.com/

http://www.stopextinction.org/

http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/species.cfm

If you need more information or you would like to learn more about endangered species, you may use a Search Engine.

After you have answered these questions, your group should start on your presentation. Use a poster board to create your presentation on endangered species. You can print pictures from the internet or draw the plants and animals to use for your poster.

Guidance and Reflection:

Conclusion:

It is important that our planet maintains a large and diverse group of species. Plants and animals are not only interesting to observe, they also hold many other purposes for our lives. Hopefully you have used the internet to learn how important it is to save endangered species, as well as what you can do to save them.

Answer Key:

1. What are three causes of species endangerment?

    Answer: habitat destruction, introduction of exotic species, overexploitation, limited distribution, disease, pollution, other similar answers.

2. Why should we try to save endangered species?

    Answer: medicinal, ecological, agricultural, commercial, aesthetic, recreational, other similar answers.

3. What are four ways that we can help endangered species?

    Answer: conserve habitat, make space, recycle, reduce, reuse, plant native plants, control introduced plants and  animals, join a conservation organization, make your voice heard, other similar answers.

4. What year was the Endangered Species Act passed?

    Answer: December 28, 1973.

5. How many plants and animals are on the endangered species list in the United States?

    Answer: 735 plant species and 496 animal species.

6. List three plants and three animals that are endangered in Tennessee.

    Answer: find list of answers at http://www.endangeredspecie.com/states/tn.htm.

7. If you could choose to save only one animal on the endangered specie list, what would it be and why?

    Answer: student answers may vary-look for rational answers.