Students become familiar with threatened and endangered plant and animal species of Michigan. Students learn what it means to be listed as threatened or endangered, common causes for being listed, and the role of government and individuals in protecting biodiversity. As an optional extension, students research one threatened or endangered Michigan species and communicate their findings on a poster.

Students answer the two essential questions: What plant and animal species are threatened in Michigan and near our community? Whose responsibility is it to protect biodiversity?

Subject/Target Grade

Science and Social Studies/

Upper Elementary and Middle School (4-6)

Duration

30-50 minutes – Classroom setting

(Optional research activity additional 1-2 periods)

Materials

per class

• The Decline of the Passenger Pigeon (teacher resource)

per small group

• Michigan’s Most Threatened Species List (student resource on MEECS Ecosystems & Biodiversity CD)

• Protecting Michigan’s Biodiversity (student resource)

• Michigan’s Threatened Species Poster Assignment (student assessment)

• poster board and art supplies (optional)

Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations

Science:

• Describe the effect humans and other organisms have on the balance of the natural world. S.RS.04.18, S.RS.05.17, S.RS.06.17

• Analyze the relationship of environmental change and catastrophic events (for example: volcanic eruption, floods, asteroid impacts, tsunami) to species extinction. L.EV.05.14

• Describe how human beings are part of the ecosystem of the Earth and that human activity can purposefully, or accidentally, alter the balance in ecosystems. L.EC.06.41

• Predict possible consequences o f overpopulation of organisms, including humans. L.EC.06.42

Social Studies:

• Participate in projects to help or inform others. 4 – P4.2.2, 5 – P4.2.2, 6 – P4.2.3

• Conduct research on contemporary global topics and issues, compose persuasive essays, and develop a plan for action. 6 – G6.1.1