This program will take a look at some specific problems of endangerment (i.e.  poaching, over-harvesting, pet trade, habitat destruction, pollution)

An animal research unit is part of the grade 7 ELA curriculum.  For the final product, students create an animal research magazine.  Students choose a topic, such as endangerment, and select three animals that fit the topic.

Students need to understand what it means to say an animal is endangered or threatened and the consequences of extinction.  Students practice the skills of research including selecting a topic, finding resources, notetaking, organization, process writing and many other skills creating the magazine.

New York State Learning Standards for the English Language Arts include all four of the Standards

Standard 1:
Students will read, write, listen and speak for information and understanding

Standard 2:
Students will read, write, listen and speak for literary response and expression

Standard 3:
Students will read write, listen and speak for critical analysis and evaluation

Standard 4:
Students will read, write, listen and speak for social interaction

Time Required
Planning for the videoconference will take one or two class periods.  Two to three forty-five minute periods will be used on pre-lessons and activities.  A listening activity which mirrors those found on the ELA 8 assessment test will be used to acquaint students with the topic of endangered animals.  It includes a graphic organizer and a writing activity.  Discussion of what was learned through videoconferencing with the Toledo Zoo and sharing with classmates will be post lessons.  Assessment will be done through a writing activity in which students will use information learned to find solutions for the problem of endangered and threatened animals.

Logistical Planning
Videoconferencing will take place in the library with 25-30 students.  Students will be informed of what their role is in the videoconference.  They will have some knowledge about endangered and threatened animals.  Once I receive and become familiar with materials from the Toledo Zoo, I will be better able to make necessary instructional modifications.

Techniques and Tools
After the videoconference, students will share their experiences with other classmates in small discussion groups.  They will write an essay in which they will create solutions for the problems endangered animals face.  Students will be required to demonstrate understanding and progress through the research process and create their animal magazine.