Name: ______________________________ #: ______ Date: _____________
In science we learned about how living things interact with nature, one another, and the
environment. As we discussed in class, many living things today are having difficulty surviving in
their environments. Some of these living things have become extinct and can no longer be saved.
However, other living things are considered endangered or threatened and can be saved with some
help. This project will help you learn about some of the endangered and threatened organisms, and
how you can help save them from becoming extinct.
Step #1: Choose your animal
Below is a list of several endangered/threatened species. We will have a class lottery to determine
the animal for your project.
List of Endangered/Threatened Species
African Elephant
Koala
American Bison
Komodo Dragon *
Asian Elephant
Leatherback sea turtle
Bald Eagle *
Leopard *
Bengal Tiger
Mountain Gorilla
Black Rhinoceros
Orangutan
Boa Constrictor
Polar Bear *
Manatee
Pronghorn
Cheetah *
Python (Indian)
Chimpanzee *
Red Panda
Crocodile (American)
Sea Lion (Stellers)
Giant Anteater
Sea Otter *
Giant panda *
Tasmanian Devil
Galapagos Giant Tortoise
Tiger *
Gorilla *
Whales (humpback, killer, blue) *
Grizzly Bear
Whooping Crane *
Jaguar
Wolf (red) *
* More than one book available in the GWES library.
Step #2: Choose your method of research
You need to use the following research materials for your project: an encyclopedia article (print or
on-line), a website from an approved list on the library website, and a book. You may also use
additional resources as needed. Remember to use reliable resources and no Wikipedia. You will
be given SOME time in the classroom and the library to research, but most of your project will
need to be completed at home.
Step #3: Begin your research
You will use a graphic organizer to collect your research. Keep track of your sources on your
organizer. **You are responsible for turning in a full bibliography of sources (on a separate piece
of paper) with this project.**
The following are the areas you NEED to research about your animal:
Part I:
Physical Appearance and Adaptations (5 points)
o What is your animal’s class (mammal, bird, fish, reptile, or amphibian)? How do
you know?
o What does it look like?
o How does your animal protect itself? (Does it use camouflage, etc.?)
o What are the animal’s physical adaptations?
Part II: Environment (5 points).
o Habitat/ecosystem (Where does it live on Earth? What kind of home does it
have? What type of ecosystem?)
Part III: Diet and Behavior (4 points).
o What is its main food source?
o Is it a predator or prey?
o Does it compete with other organisms? Which organisms? How do they compete?
o Carnivore? Omnivore? Herbivore?
Part IV: Endangerment and Conservation (4 points).
o How did your animal become endangered?
o What efforts are being taken to save your animal?
Part V: Fast facts (5 points)
o What interesting or amazing facts are unique to your animal?
o Describe at least 5 amazing facts
Step #4: Organize your project
Your research should be organized into an informational poster devoted solely to your animal. All
information should be typed and include a colorful picture. You will be shown example projects to
help you.
Step #5: Check your work
Please use the rubric as a checklist to ensure all of the required information is included! Make sure
that your project is neat and handed in on time (loss of 5% points for every day it is late).
11/12/15 (THURS) Endangered/threatened animal topic
assigned
11/20/15 (FRI) Organizer filled
12/4/15 (THURS)
with facts and source(s)
Informational poster and bibliography
(on a separate piece of paper)
Student Signature:________________________________
Parent Signature:_________________________________
Part I (5 pts.)
o
Animal’s class (ex: mammal, bird, etc.) and evidence
o
Physical adaptations
o
Appearance
o
Protection
o
Ecosystem (Ex: Forest, Desert, etc.)
o
Habitat (Ex: tree, cave)
o
Location on Earth
o
Main food source
o
Predator or prey
o
Competition (Does it compete with other animals for food?)
o
Carnivore? Omnivore? Herbivore?
o
Endangered explanation
o
Conservation efforts
Part V (5 pts)
o
5 facts unique to animal
Overall (12 pts.)
o
Bibliography of sources (5 pts.)
o
Poster is colorful, neatly typed, and organized (4 pts.)
o
Poster contains correct conventions (3 pts.)
Part II (5 pts.)
Part III (4pts.)
Part IV (4 pts.)
Total Points Earned
_____/35 pts.
Final Grade