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Endangered Species, Natural Selection & Argumentation

Grade levels: 8th, Environmental Science

Topics: Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Languages: English

Interdisciplinary: Yes

Disciplinary Core Idea
LS4:  Biological Change: Unity and Diversity 

In Tennessee, there are over 100 species of threatened or endangered plants and animals listed under the protection of the Endangered Species Act. In this activity, students will research and discuss perspectives about anthropogenic causes of species extinction and develop arguments articulating their claims of whether humans should, or should not, intervene to protect vulnerable species. 

Interdisciplinary with ELA.

Photo: USFWS

This lesson was originally written for 8th grade. With modification, it could work for environmental science standards on endangered species. 

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This project is funded under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee.