Why do zoologists collect animal specimens for research? And, how many animals is enough? Explore both sides of a current debate in the scientific community using a video that is part of a larger playlist on mammals. Topics include where specimen animals come from, why scientists keep so many animals, and what we learn about animal and human populations from the research.

Concepts

museums, animal anatomy, animal identification, animal populations, researching animals, ecosystems, human impact on the environment

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

science

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Use the video to spark a discussion about animal specimen collection and study
• Extend the lesson by making copies of both arguments discussed in the video, then have pupils choose a side and write their own arguments
  

Classroom Considerations

• Younger students may not be aware that museums contain animal collections, so go over this idea briefly before watching the video
  

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• The resource presents a clear, educated rebuttal to the claim that collecting animals for study is negatively impacting their populations
• Examples used in the video are very relatable for school-aged viewers
  

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.6.2 SL.7.2 SL.9-10.2