Submitted by: Li Shi

Grade Levels: 3-5

In this lesson plan which is adaptable for grades 3-5, students use BrainPOP resources to learn about extinct and endangered animals.

Students will:

  1. Explain the concept of extinction and being endangered.
  2. Identify the problem of endangerment.
  3. Explore solutions to the corresponding problems.

Materials:

  • Graphic Organizers
  • Computers with internet access for BrainPOP

Lesson Procedure:

  1. Show students several pictures of animals. Ask them what these animals are, where their habitat is, what food they eat, etc. Ask if anyone knows one thing these animals have in common (they are all endangered.) Introduce the vocabulary, extinct and endangered, and ask students to share what they know about endangered animals.
  2. Prepare students for watching the Extinct and Endangered Species Movie on BrainPOP Jr. by using the word wall feature and have the class complete the easy review quiz. You could also do the quiz first, and open the word wall in a separate tab to review each vocabulary terms as it appears in the quiz. Then play the video.
  3. After distributing and explaining the Endangered Species Graphic Organizers, replay the movie. Pause when first endangered animal is mentioned, and model how to complete the first row on the graphic organizer, demonstrating how to take notes when watching the video. (ELLs in the class may complete the endangered animals quiz in BrainPOP ELL first and advanced learners may watch the BrainPOP Extinction Movie All groups can use the same Endangered Species Graphic Organizers to take notes.
  4. Have students work with their partners to watch the video and fill out the graphic organizer. While students are working, circulate around the room to offer assistance. ELLs may do Flash Words or the Hear It, Say It when they finish filling out the organizer. For advanced learners, ask them to take the Quiz and explore the Related Reading and Q&A.
  5. Use the Talk About It feature in BrainPOP Jr to encourage everyone to share their notes about they have learned from the video about endangered animals. For individual practice, have students write about what they can do to help protecting endangered animals using the Write About It feature in BrainPOP Jr. Ask ELLs to complete the second page of Problem-Solution Graphic Organizer individually. Advanced learners will use the Make-A-Map Tool to create a concept map, connecting the causes and solutions for different endangered animals. Assess students through observation during pair work and the differentiated individual work.
Filed as:  3-5