North Cascades

Threatened and Endangered Species

WHAT THREATENED OR ENDANGERED SPECIES AM I?

Background Refer to background information on the mammals and birds listed as threatened, endangered, and candidate species within the Greater North Cascades Ecosystem on preceding Web pages. Method Students will play a "guess who" game of mammals and birds listed as threatened, endangered, and candidate species in the Greater North Cascades Ecosystem. Procedure Write the names of the threatened, endangered, and candidate species on 3 x 5 cards. Each species should have its own card. Tape these cards to the backs of the students. Since there are 17 species, several students will represent the same species. You may also photocopy the images of the animals from the descriptions on preceding Web pages. Indicate whether it is threatened, endangered, or candidate. The students should not be able to see their own cards. Instruct the students to mingle around the classroom while asking other students five to 10 "yes" or "no" questions about their species. After students have asked their questions, have them form a circle. Choose one species, and position students wearing that species card so that their backs are facing the group. Do not disclose the name of the species. The students wearing the cards should tell the group as many things as they can about their species and what species they think they are. If the students guess incorrectly, have the class help by describing some of the species' characteristics, habitat, etc. Discussion When the students have learned the identity of their species, take time to add information about the species. Ask them to recall what the terms "threatened", "endangered" and "candidate" mean and what are the connotations of those terms. Introduce the term "biodiversity" to the class. What do they think about the fact that the lists of threatened, endangered, and candidate species are growing? Discuss the term "extinction" and the connotations of this term. How does protected land help the species discussed in this activity?

SUBJECT Science OBJECTIVES Students will be able to compare and contrast the terms threatened, endangered, and candidate species. Students will be able to describe the threatened, endangered, and candidate mammals and birds found in the Greater North Cascades Ecosystem. VOCABULARY Threatened species, Endangered species, Candidate species, Biodiversity, Extinction MATERIALS Masking tape and pen One 3 x 5 card for each student Optional photocopies of mammals & birds from previous Web pages SIZE / SETTING / DURATION Whole class Indoor or outdoor area that is large enough for the students to mingle One hour for the activity plus at least one hour for discussion; two hours minimum. Can separate activity into two class periods.