What is an Endangered Species?

• Learn what an endangered species is, why species are becoming endangered, and where endangered species can be found
• Learn what they can do to help

• Interactive whiteboard or projector
• Computer to connect to whiteboard or projector
• ARKive’s ‘What is an Endangered Species?’ classroom presentation (PowerPoint)
• A set of ARKive’s Endangered Species Activity Cards
• Set of Threat cards
• A3 paper for poster activity
• Pens or pencils for decorating posters

• Begin by introducing the theme of the session, endangered species, and explore what the students already know about the topic. See slide notes on the PowerPoint presentation for further guidance and information.
• Run through the PowerPoint presentation using the examples given for each slide. At the end of the presentation, give each student an Endangered Species Activity card.
• Lay out the different threat cards on separate tables. The possible threats are as follows: habitat loss, hunting and fishing, pollution, collection and the pet trade, invasive species and disease.
• Explain that each student must read their card, decide which is the biggest threat faced by their species, and form a group with other students whose species also faces the same threat.
• Once in these groups, ask the students to make a poster explaining the threat, the species which are affected by it and what can be done to help. The students can either work in a group, or in pairs.
• At the end of the session, each group can present their poster to the rest of the class.

The teacher will assess the students’ understanding of endangered species and what threats they are facing.