WebQuery on Endangered Species

A WebQuery for 7th Grade

Designed by

Christopher Emerson 

emersonc@cwu.edu

 Andrias davidianus (Chinese Giant Salamander)

Introduction | Task | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion

Introduction

Our world is changing! Every day we are confronted with news about deforestation, global warming, industrialization, and changes to our biosphere. These changes bring forth both positive and negative effects. It was estimated that in 2004 the United States had 1,179 threatened species. This is a trend that is seen in nearly every country of every continent. What is to be done? The first step is to educate people about what is happening. This is our goal for the next week. You will research, analyze, and evaluate an endangered species of your choice from the country of your choice. This is the first step towards change. We also will create a plan that will begin to slow this process of extinction. You will write a brief paper with a few different activities that people can do, or, stop doing that will help your animal of choice.What can we do to help the species of our earth?

Task

Each pair of students will work cooperatively to to create and present a poster on one endangered or vulnerable species. Groups will have a choice of geographic areas of which to chose from, this will ensure that we research information from around the world, this is a global problem, not just a local problem. After you have chosen your geographic area you will research online what species you want to research, the species can be a reptile, amphibian, bird, mammal, plant or fungi. after you have compiled all of he necessary information you will need to organize it and fit it all onto a poster which  you and your partner will share in class. After the entire class has presented heir poster we will hang them in the hallway so that other students can read your work.




The Process

Each poster will need to include, but is not limited to the following:


Resources

Use these websites to help your search!
 

Evaluation

For this project you will receive two grades, one for the poster and one for the presentation of the poster.

The poster will be graded on: Introduction, Visual aids, Detail of Information, and Conclusion.

The presentation will be graded on the following criteria:

Follow the rubric to determine if you meet all of the criteria and you will do well.




CATEGORY
3
2
1
0
Quality of Information
Poster has correct genus and species of organism; correct listing of species (endangered, threatened, etc.); a quality description of species (habitat, type of organism, diet, etc.)
Poster has genus and species of organism; correct listing of species (endangered, threatened, etc.); a good description of species (habitat, type of organism, diet, etc.)
Poster is completely missing information such as correct genus and species of organism; correct listing of species (endangered, threatened, etc.); or a quality description of species
Information is incomplete or complete missing. No species name, description of species or listing.
Diagrams & Illustrations
Poster includes: a multiple quality pictures of species; Map of habitat of species range; nice visual appeal. (2 Points)
Poster is missing either a picture of the species or geographic range. (1 Points)
Poster is completely lacking any visual aids. (0 Points)
 
Conclusion
Student provides excellent specific ways to slow the extinction rate of his/her species as well as other species on a global level.
Student provides good ways to slow the extinction rate of his/her species.
Student attempts to provide ways of living that reduces the harm to threatened species.
Student provides no information about how to reduce the extinction rate.
Sources
Student provides three or more sources.
Student provides two sources.
Student provides one source.
Student provides no sources.





CATEGORY
3
2
1
Preparedness
Student is completely prepared and has obviously rehearsed.
Student seems pretty prepared but might have needed a couple more rehearsals.
Student does not seem at all prepared to present.
Posture and Eye Contact
Stands up straight, looks relaxed and confident. Establishes eye contact with everyone in the room during the presentation.
Sometimes stands up straight and establishes eye contact.
Slouches and/or does not look at people during the presentation.
Listens to Other Presentations
Listens intently. Does not make distracting noises or movements.
Listens intently but has some distracting noise or movement.
Sometimes does not appear to be listening and may be distracting.
Comprehension
Student is able to accurately answer almost all questions posed by classmates about the topic.
Student is able to accurately answer most questions posed by classmates about the topic.
Student is able to accurately answer a few questions posed by classmates about the topic.


Conclusion

By the end of this project you should have a greater understanding that species are becoming extinct at an alarming rate and that something needs and can be done. You will be able to research information using the Internet, collect relevant information, and finally present and share your work with the community. It should be understood that people all around the world are trying to make a difference and you can to!