Extinction Lesson Plans

In this lesson students are introduced to the five major reasons for extinction. In groups, they read scenarios and divide them into different categories. Using the internet, they identify which reason a certain animal became extinct. To end the lesson, they use the acronym HIPPO to remember the reasons for extinction.

Learners explore reasons why extinction is a problem and how it affects people. In this life science/ biology lesson, learners write ways engineering can help extinction. Learners explore the term extinct and relate that to plants and animals. Learners also discuss the importance of caring for coral reefs. Additionally, learners write letters on topics such as Global Warming.

Students investigate reasons why species go extinct.  In this animal population lesson, students discuss and create a list of the 5 main reasons animals go extinct.  Students complete a sentence completion activity based on the 5 major causes.

Students peruse illustrations of living things and extinct life forms, which they compare and categorize as living or extinct.

Students examine how scientist use evidence to create theories. In this problem solving lesson, students use evidence cards to determine their own theory about the extinction of dinosaurs. They will debate their theories based on the evidence they examined.

In this lesson students brainstorm and discuss what it means for a species to be considered endangered and/or extinct. They research animals in Puerto Rico and choose one that is considered endangered and create a poster about it. In addition, they analyze how humans are impacted by species that are considered endangered.

Students explore the different ways scientists gather information about extinct animals. They utilize these methods to create illustrated story books about a particular extinct animal.

In this lesson students research the causes of the extinction of Pleistocene mammals.  In this Pleistocene mammals lesson, students read essays to understand the Pleistocene epoch. In this lesson students write an essay about the personal impact of this epoch. 

4th graders research and analyze theories on why dinosaurs became extinct. They need to find clues as to what the cause may have been. They record the evidence that they find to support their theory on the Dinosaur Extinction Theory page.

Students identify and interpret the following: What is mass extinction, and what are some theories for why it happens? How often do species become extinct? What is the normal rate of extinction? Why are some species endangered? What is being done to protect endangered species?