This packet will provide you with instructions for your research and presentation on an endangered animal. Read through each section carefully with your parents, and pace yourself.
You will be creating a nonfiction book about an endangered animal. You will present your book to the class with a persuasive speech. The animal must be endangered in NORTH AMERICA.
Each week you will be assigned 1-2 pages to complete in your book. We will do rough drafts on
Monday and Tuesday with the final drafts due on FRIDAYS.
Your Mission: Select an endangered animal living in North America, and prepare an informative, creative presentation that will convince your audience to assist in raising funds to preserve your animal and prevent extinction.
Format: This project has 2 parts. You will be using your research information to create a visually appealing Book. The entire book is due 12/11. In addition to your book, you will give a rehearsed Persuasive Speech to your audience/class. You may prepare note cards to help you recall facts.
*Choose an occupation which would most likely be defending your endangered species.
Possible Occupations:
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Editor for Zoobook Magazine
 Zoo Keeper
 Safari Guide

President of the Wildlife Society

Reporter for Animal Planet
 Consultant for Discovery Channel
Book
*Rough Drafts will be done in class. Final drafts will be completed at home by the following dates. Final drafts should be neat and can be typed or handwritten. Please include pictures.
 Attach the final draft to the page indicated in your blank book.

Each section will be given a temporary grade as we go. You may go back and revise to improve your score as necessary.
 We will keep all work in a big Ziploc bag until the final book is due. Please leave all pages in this bag (especially the grading sheet)

Pages
1. Physical Description
In this section you need to tell all about what your animal looks like. What coloring is it? How much does it weigh and how big can it get? Does it have special claws, teeth, eyes or feet? Can it camouflage or imitate another animal? Include a labeled picture.
2. Geographical Location
Print or copy a map of the area that your animal inhabits. Use a symbol or a picture to show the major locations of your animal’s home. If your animal migrates, show the pattern. Include a short sentence telling just where they can be found.
Due 11/13
3. Habitat/Ecosystem
Write a description of the special type of environment your animal needs to thrive. What kind of homes do they build and what surroundings do they prefer? Do they change their habitat throughout the year?
WANTED AD: Pretend you found a classified ad written by your animal which describes its perfect “dream house.”
Example:
Alligator WANTED: A murky, rushing river that I can grow old in. Must be located near plenty of other animal’s watering holes. Tall river grass and nice wet mud is a must. Want to move quick, so make it snappy!
4. Behaviors and Habits
Write a description of any special behaviors of your animal, such as: nocturnal, diurnal, hibernation, migration, special senses or instincts, solitary or live in groups, or any other interesting and unusual facts.
Due 11/20

5. Job Resume
Write a resume for a human job that your animal would look for? Why is it uniquely qualified for the job? Think of your animals special adaptations.
Sample resume:
Albert E. Alligator (Create a funny name)
Alligator mississippiensis (scientific name)
Age: 25 years old
Address: Rivers, ponds, lakes, and other wetlands.
Personal Description:
I am am male alligator, about 10 feet long and weighing 357 pounds. I have four short legs and am shaped like a large lizard. I have a powerful tail that you had better watch out for! My skin is rough and scaly. I am a protected animal that eats fish, turtles, mammals, birds, and snakes.
Job Goal:
I am looking for a job as a private investigator. I would be great at the job because with my dark green color, I can lurk about in murky waters and spy on suspected criminals. When confronted, I could use my large sweeping tail to knock my attacker down. Then I could either use my tail to keep him from getting away or threaten to bite him with my 80 teeth.
6. Food
Animals have special adaptations that help in finding food and water. What does your animal eat and what adaptations does it have for helping catch its food. Does it eat a special way?
Does is scavenge? Does your animal feed its young a special way?
RESTAURANT MENU:
Create a restaurant menu that would appeal to your animal. Create fun and unique dishes using the food that your animal likes to eat. You must include:
-Appetizers (Salamander on a stick)
-Entrees (Blackened Bird’s Wing with a side of Beak)
-Desserts (Ice Cream ala Toad)
-Beverages (Sparkling Stream Water)
You must have at least two choices from each section. Be creative!
Due 11/30 (Due to Thanksgiving break)

7. Survival
All animals have enemies and must protect themselves. Write a paragraph describing how it protects itself and who is a predator or threat to that animal.
Then, compose a set of 6 safety rules for your animal to follow in order to protect itself.
Ex: Alligator Safety Rules
1. Stay away from humans. Prey on smaller animals instead.
2. Lay your eggs in a safe spot in the sand.
3. Attack anyone who may try to take your skin.
4. Camouflage yourself in the water so that other animals don’t see you.
5. Use your alligator calls.
6. To help catch more food, set a convenient trap.
8. Official Update
Please describe exactly why your animal is endangered and the conservation efforts in place that protect that animal.
 Why is it endangered?

What is its future?

What are responsible human actions?
 Are there any laws in place that help protect the animal? (Endangered Animal Act, Land preserve,
Due 12/4
To finish off your book, there are some features you will need to add.
-Cover
-Title page/Dedication
-Table of Contents
-Bibliography (Will be done in class)
FINAL BOOK DUE 12/11 PRESENTATION TO BE GIVEN WEEK OF 12/14