Objectives:

This program offers students the opportunity to

• help solve a real-life problem in biodiversity conservation
• analyze environmental perspectives and acquire scientific knowledge
• engage in a truly democratic process and to learn how to do that appropriately (study-learn-decide-vote process)
• learn skills in leadership (small group processes, as well as class presentations, and especially in fundraising efforts outside of the immediate learning environment).

Materials:

• internet connection
• computers/laptops/tablets (one per pair of students)
• the game Jenga (or something similar)
• optional: cameras/smartphones

Lesson Plan:

Unit 1: The Sixth Extinction (2-3 lessons)

Part A: 5 Past Extinctions

Part B: The Sixth Extinction

Unit 2: Biodiversity (3-5 lessons)

Part A: Introduction to the concept of species diversity

Part B: The importance of preserving biodiversity

Part C: Why should I save?

Part D: Some Areas are Worth More Than Others…

Unit 3: What is an Endangered Species? (1 lesson)

Unit 4: Activity With the TiME Organization (4-6 lessons)

Each lesson has its own procedure detailed in the full curriculum guide. Activities include class discussions, group presentations, research, and an outdoor inventory of local species.