Classroom Activities: Extinct and Endangered Species

These classroom activities are designed to complement the Extinct and Endangered Species topic on BrainPOP Jr.

Adopt an Endangered Species
Together with the class, choose an endangered species to adopt. You can look on websites of the Nature Conservancy or the World Wildlife Fund or even visit your local zoo to learn about different endangered plants and animals. You can also look at your states’ endangered plants and animals list to find out what you can do to help protect species close to home. Have students learn how the animal’s habitat became threatened, and discover if that can be changed. Track the progress of the plant or animal and find ways to raise awareness in the whole school or community, such as a poster campaign or a fundraiser.

Clean-Up Day

Remind students that living things need safe, clean places in order to live. If possible, organize a clean-up day at a park, beach, or piece of public land. Students can pick up items of litter and later research how long these items would have taken to biodegrade. Let students learn about the damage that everyday items, such as plastic bags, can do to soil, plants, and water. Many communities organize an annual day to improve neighborhoods. Participate in a local event and help children understand the importance of maintaining a safe and clean environment for all living things.