Introduction
The New Hampshire endangered species list is continuously growing each year. This could lead to disruptions in the food chain for other species in the wilderness, and could even lead to human extinction over time if nothing is done. You are going to find a way to help these species before they go extinct and, in turn, save the human race!
A species is the largest classification of organisms that can reproduce.
A threatened species is a species that is at risk of endangerment.
An endangered species is a species that is in danger of extinction.
An extinct species is one that no longer exists, or has died out. Can you think of any examples of an extinct species?
Task
In this WebQuest, you and your group will:
-Research what species are endangered in New Hampshire.
-Look at the factors that are causing these species to become endangered.
-Develop a plan to prevent these NH species from becoming extinct.
Process
1. As a whole group, visit this page and take a look at what types of species are endangered in the New Hampshire area. Jot down the ones you have heard of and any that interest you on the back of your graphic organizer (at least six).
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Wildlife/Nongame/endangered_list.htm
2. Now, you are each going to select one of the four factors that is causing the endangerment of these species. Write your factor down in the spot available at the top of the graphic organizer.
3. Find your factor below and follow the links beside it. Fill out the graphic organizer based on the information you find on these websites.
| Habitat Destruction | |
| Illegal Hunting |
http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2013/07/NH-cracks-down… |
| Natural Causes | |
| Introduction of Exotic Species |
4. Once you are all finished researching this information, regroup and discuss what you found starting with habitat destruction, then illegal hunting, natural causes, and finally introduction of exotic species.
5. Discuss your brainstorms of what you can do to stop each of these factors from affecting our endangered species in New Hamphsire. Also take a look at this website which lists many ways to help endangered species:
http://www.wikihow.com/Help-Endangered-Animals
6. Create a poster with your group that demonstrates what we can all do, as citizens of New Hampshire, to help prevent further endangerment of species in our area. Use information, pictures, and images from each of your websites but be sure to put it into your own words!!! Be prepared to share this with the rest of the class.
Evaluation
Create a poster with your group that is both informative and demonstrates what we can all do, as citizens of New Hampshire, to help prevent further endangerment of species in our area. Use information, pictures, and images from each of your websites but be sure to put it into your own words!!! Be prepared to share this with the rest of the class.
Saving Our Wildlife Poster required elements:
- Explanation of each factor
- How the factor occurs in NH and what NH animals it is affecting
- Things we can all do to minimize each of these factors
Conclusion
You now know all about the endangered and threatened species in New Hampshire, and even better, you know how to help prevent their extinction!
Share this information with your friends & family and anyone else in the community so we can all do our part to help.
Teacher Page
Grade: 5
Constructing and Designing Solutions
NGSS Standard: Use evidence (e.g., measurements, observations, patterns) to construct or support an explanation or design a solution to a problem.
Literacy Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.7 Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently.