What can fossils tell us about periods of extinction? Young scholars interpret fossil layers to make conclusions about changes in life during different geological time periods. They analyze the fossils for abundance and diversity as well...

Students are introduced to the five major reasons for extinction. In groups, they read scenarios and divide them into different categories. Using the internet, they identify which reason a certain animal became extinct. To end the...

Students investigate biology by researching wild animals. In this animal extinction lesson, students research African wild dogs and discuss the impact of the environment on their survival. Students read and analyze an article titled...

Students investigate world history by creating a diorama in class. In this dinosaur extinction lesson, students read assigned text discussing the time frame of the dinosaurs residence on Earth and their eventual demise. Students recreate...

Believe it or not, some dinosaurs are not extinct. Discover this and other interesting facts about dinosaurs in a 10-question online quiz. As individuals answer questions, the resource provides them with feedback and additional facts...

Students recognize that they haven't seen a dinosaur because they no longer exist. In this dinosaur lesson, students view videos and understand what the dinosaur habitat was like. Students role play dinosaurs. Students explore dinosaur...

Students examine the extinction of plants and animals through loss of habitat. They investigate the effects of global warming. They use a computer model to analyze the impact of global warming on tree growth and distirbution...

Field study groups collect samples of stream water and identify the macroinvertebrates found. Using their data, they calculate a water quality index to rate the health of the stream. They graph their data and discuss the value of a water...

How far does the human hand reach?  Five interactive lessons lead classes through a unit exploring the human impact on ocean resources, pollution, and even extinction. Learners discover how their decisions affect the ocean...

Students become familiar with the process of deforestation and its impact upon rainforests and people who depend on them. They research endangered and already-extinct species of rainforest animals and plants. Students fabricate a 3D...

Students examine the characteristics of the peregrine falcon. They investigate endangered and extinct species, and how the environment affects the process.

Students examine a potential asteroid impact site. They describe evidence and theories for extinction events.

Students study the ice age and the causes of it.  In this Ice Age lesson students examine why those animals became extinct and complete activity sheets.

Students examine biodiversity, ecosystems, and extinction. They are divided into groups to discuss why they think biodiversity is important.

Students discuss importance of American Chestnut tree, explore its value and uses, examine how it has almost become extinct, and identify ways certain groups are working to help regain American Chestnut tree population through breeding.

By studying the once-assumed extinction, then rediscovery of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker, learners look at the physical changes that have occured in habitats throughout Arkansas. This outstanding instructional activity is chock full of...

Seamounts are large, extinct volcanoes that rise up from the bottom of the ocean floor. They are a relatively new landform in the scientific community, and this lesson invites students to learn about the amazing diversity of life found...

High schoolers explore an interactive computer activity that provides the opportunity to look at features of various groups of animals and determine where an extinct organism might be classified.

Students explore natural selection and its influence on the populations to fine tune traits and characteristics. The acquisition of traits developed out of need is examined through a game played in class.

Students research environmental destruction. In this cause and effect lesson plan, students students gain an understanding of everyday things we do to harm the environment. Students work in groups to create a brochure that...

Students study the teeth of living mammals and apply those skills to the interpretation of the diet of extinct animals.

Learners examine Passenger Pigeons and why they are now extinct. Through a class discussion, students discover the need to help endangered animals. They consider activities to become involved in assisting animals. Learners write a poem...

Ninth graders graph data in order to compare the number of extinct species and a rise in human population. They analyze the data collected. Students are encouraged to infer the relationship.

Fourth graders investigate ecosystems. In this ecosystem lesson, 4th graders explore producers, consumers, and decomposers and study the interdependence of each.