Saving Our Species
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as young conservationists, develop and implement a sustainable plan to protect a local endangered species and involve our community in its success?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What makes a species endangered?
- What are the main threats to local endangered species?
- How can we create a sustainable conservation plan?
- What role does community engagement play in conservation efforts?
- How can we measure the success of a conservation plan?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to research and identify the characteristics, habitat, and threats to a local endangered species.
- Students will be able to develop a conservation plan that incorporates sustainable practices and community engagement strategies.
- Students will be able to present their conservation plan to a relevant audience, demonstrating their understanding of the issue and proposed solutions.
- Students will be able to evaluate the potential impact of their conservation plan and suggest adjustments based on feedback and further research.
Teacher-Provided Standard
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsBreaking News
Students take on the roles of investigative journalists reporting on the alarming decline of a local species. They conduct interviews with 'expert witnesses' (local biologists, park rangers, community members) to gather information and uncover the factors threatening the species.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Species Spotlight
Students choose a local endangered species and research its characteristics, habitat, threats, and current conservation efforts.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA research report detailing the chosen species and its challenges.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsResearches an endangered species.Conservation Architects
Students brainstorm and design a multi-faceted conservation plan for their chosen species.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed conservation plan incorporating habitat restoration, community engagement, and sustainable practices.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsResearches an endangered species and proposes strategies for its conservation.Conservation Ambassadors
Students create a presentation to share their conservation plan with a relevant audience (e.g., local officials, community members, school board).Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA compelling presentation that communicates the urgency of the issue and the effectiveness of the proposed conservation plan.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsProposes strategies for its conservation.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioConservation Plan Portfolio Evaluation Rubric
Research and Understanding
Assessment of student's ability to conduct thorough research and demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the endangered species' characteristics and challenges.Comprehensive Research
Extent to which the student gathers detailed and relevant information from a variety of credible sources.
Exemplary
4 PointsUses a wide range of reliable sources to gather comprehensive and detailed information on the endangered species, including characteristics, habitat, and threats.
Proficient
3 PointsUses multiple reliable sources to gather thorough information on the endangered species, covering most aspects including characteristics, habitat, and threats.
Developing
2 PointsUses some sources to gather basic information on the endangered species, with gaps in details about characteristics, habitat, or threats.
Beginning
1 PointsUses few sources with minimal information on the endangered species, showing significant gaps in understanding its characteristics, habitat, or threats.
Understanding of Conservation Needs
Student's ability to identify and articulate the main threats to the species and the necessity for its conservation.
Exemplary
4 PointsClearly and insightfully identifies all major threats to the species and articulates a deep understanding of the importance of conservation.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies major threats to the species and understands their importance in the context of conservation.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some threats to the species, showing a developing understanding of their significance.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify significant threats to the species, with minimal understanding of the conservation need.
Conservation Plan Design
Evaluation of student's ability to create a comprehensive and practical conservation plan that includes community engagement and sustainable practices.Plan Innovation and Feasibility
Quality and creativity of strategies proposed in the conservation plan and how feasible they are within given constraints.
Exemplary
4 PointsProposes innovative and practical strategies for conservation, supported by a well-structured and feasible plan.
Proficient
3 PointsProposes appropriate and feasible strategies, with clear planning evident in the conservation plan.
Developing
2 PointsProposes basic strategies that show some feasibility but lack innovation and detailed planning.
Beginning
1 PointsProposes minimal strategies, lacking feasibility and creativity, with little planning evident.
Inclusion of Community Engagement
Extent to which the conservation plan includes strategies for involving the community effectively.
Exemplary
4 PointsEffectively integrates multiple strategies for community engagement, demonstrating clear understanding of its role in conservation efforts.
Proficient
3 PointsIncludes strategies for community engagement, showing understanding of its role in conservation efforts.
Developing
2 PointsAttempts to include community engagement with limited strategies or effectiveness.
Beginning
1 PointsShows minimal attempt to include or understand community engagement strategies.
Presentation and Communication
Assessment of student's ability to communicate their plan effectively to an audience through presentation skills and use of visual aids.Clarity and Persuasiveness
Effectiveness of student's communication skills in presenting their conservation plan.
Exemplary
4 PointsDelivers a clear, convincing, and well-organized presentation, showing confidence and effective communication.
Proficient
3 PointsDelivers a clear presentation with organized ideas and good communication skills.
Developing
2 PointsDelivers a presentation with some clear points, but lacks organization or strength in communication.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to deliver a clear or organized presentation, showing weak communication skills.
Use of Visual Aids
Effectiveness and creativity in using visual aids to enhance the presentation.
Exemplary
4 PointsUses creative and effective visual aids that strongly enhance the presentation and understanding of the content.
Proficient
3 PointsUses appropriate visual aids that support the presentation and understanding of the content.
Developing
2 PointsUses basic visual aids that provide some support to the presentation.
Beginning
1 PointsUses minimal or ineffective visual aids, contributing little to the presentation.