Begin with a captivating story about the extinction of dinosaurs to engage students' curiosity about past life forms and extinction events.
Go to the LessonLesson Plans
Causes of Extinction
Learning Objectives
- Understand the concept of evolution and how it leads to the development of new species.
- Identify different causes of extinction, including climate change, natural disasters, and human activities.
- Recognize how rapid environmental changes, such as meteor impacts and volcanic eruptions, can lead to extinction events.
- Discuss the impact of human actions on animal habitats and how it contributes to species extinction.
Introduction and Hook
Discuss the concept of evolution and its role in the development of new species, setting the stage for understanding extinction.
Direct Instruction
Explain the different causes of extinction, such as climate change, natural disasters, and human activities, using examples like the woolly mammoth and thylacine.
Use the video 'Organisms of the Past – Wooly Mammoths' to illustrate how climate change and human hunting led to their extinction.
Guided Exploration
Watch the video 'All About the Tyrannosaurus Rex – T-Rex' to explore the characteristics and behaviors of this iconic dinosaur and understand how scientists use fossils to learn about extinct species.
Facilitate a discussion on how rapid environmental changes, like meteor impacts and volcanic eruptions, can lead to extinction events.
Hands-On Activity
Conduct the 'Making Fossils' activity where students create their own fossils using plaster and clay, enhancing their understanding of fossilization.
Independent Practice
Assign students to research a specific extinct animal and present their findings, focusing on the causes of its extinction.
Check for Understanding
Use the 'Discovering the Ice Age' assessment to evaluate students' understanding of historical climate events and extinction processes.
Review and Reflection
Reflect on the impact of human actions on animal habitats and discuss ways to prevent future extinctions.
Assessment and Extension
Administer the 'Review – Organisms of the Past' assessment to gauge students' comprehension of fossil formation and historical context.
Try the Quiz
Encourage students to explore further by visiting a natural history museum or watching documentaries about extinct species.
