Students will review factors that threaten the survival of endangered species.
1. Have students stand in a circle. Explain that as a group, you'll be reviewing threats to endangered species.
2. Demonstrate how the activity works by stating one threat to endangered species, such as plastic pollution in the ocean, then let some air out of the globe.
3. Pass the globe to the student next to you. Have him/her let a little more out of the globe as he/she names a threat to endangered species. Ask students to continue passing the ball until each student has had a turn.
4. After everyone has had a turn, the globe should be flat. Ask students if this is the type of world they would like to live in.
5. Give each student a balloon. Explain that the balloon represents the earth, and that they'll have a chance to get their "earth" back into shape.
6. Ask students to name things that can be done to help endangered species. Each time a student gives an answer, have everyone put one small puff of air into their balloon as you put one breath of air into the globe. Stop when the students' balloons are fully inflated or your globe is full.
7. Explain to students that endangered species have a lot of problems, but everyone can make a difference.
8. Have students draw their favorite endangered species on the balloon.
More information about Endangered Species
SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Animal Information Database
www.seaworld.org / www.buschgardens.org
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