Students will be able to obtain and communicate information to support claims that natural and human-made factors can contribute to the extinction of species. 8.E.6B.2
Content Knowledge Support
- Read and reflect on the What is Mass Extinction And Are We Facing A Sixth One? Article
Discussion Topics
- Watch the video, "What Does the Sixth Mass Extinction Mean For Humans?" 🤔 Is there enough evidence to support the claim that we are currently undergoing a mass extinction? Explain why or why not using specific details and evidence from the content knowledge resource(s) provided during this module to justify and provide evidence for your reasoning. 🤓Include some additional research of your own to support your opinion. 👍Provide at least one thing people can actually do to help prevent the next mass extinction from occurring.
- What extinction factor has caused the greatest impact on Earth's biological history thus far? Explain why using specific details form the content knowledge resource(s) provided during this module.
- Which man-made extinction factor do you think has had the most impact on our current environment? Explain why using specific details from the content knowledge resource(s) provided during this module.
Recommended Exercises
(Level 2) Application
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(Level 5) Creation
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Additional Exercises & Extensions
(Level 1) Comprehension
- Classify each of the extinction factors as human-made or natural using this assignment TEMPLATE.
- Watch the video How Many Mass Extinctions Have Happened On Earth? List each mass extinction event and summarize what is theorized to have caused each of those extinctions during Earth's history.
(Level 2) Application
- Research an endangered species today that you care about and accurately describe which extinction factor(s) are currently causing this organisms endangerment using this assignment TEMPLATE.
- Endangered Species List (optional resource)
(Level 3) Analysis
- Read the article "Top 10 reasons Why Plants and Animals Go Extinct." Classify each of the reasons at natural or human-made factors. using evidence from the article explain which factors you feel contribute the most to the extinction of species during Earth's history.
- Complete the Here Today, Gone Tomorrow SEPUP talking it over activity and analysis using this lab TEMPLATE.
- Using the chart and image below what extinction factors have been the cause of MOST mass extinctions throughout Earth's history (natural or human-made factors)? Explain why using 3 or more specific details from the graph and image below as evidence to justify your reasoning.
(Level 4) Evaluation
- Carefully read the article "18 signs we're in the middle of a 6th mass extinction." and evaluate whether or not you believe humans are causing the next mass extinction according to this evidence. Research and cite at least 2 other sources of evidence to support your opinion such graphs, images, and/or websites to support your claim.
(Level 5) Creation
- Research a threatened or endangered species you want to help save and complete each of the following objectives:
- Create a webpage or social media post that accurately describes why this organism is being threatened or endangered that includes text, images, and video.
- Clearly explain whether human-made or natural factors are causing this extinction to occur.
- Provide a reasonable description of a real-world solution that informs the public of what they can actually do to realistically help save this species.
- Google Sites (optional resource)
- Weebly website creator (optional resource)
Additional Explorations
- Study the extinctions of specific species. Debate between what man has or has not done in regards to extinction or endangerment of any species. A key species to study may include the Bald Eagle.
Future Learning Connections (9-12)
- Construct explanations of how changes to Earth's surface are related to changes in the complexity and diversity of life using evidence from the geologic time scale.
- Obtain and evaluate evidence from rock and fossil records and ice core samples to support claims that Earth's environmental conditions have changed over time.
English Language Learners
Module Review Resources
Vocabulary Practice
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