Endangered Animals and Number Sense Lesson
Lesson Plan
1 hourGradesK, 1, 2Mathematics
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Written by Emily Townsend
About this lesson
In this lesson, students use a base number (1,000, 100, or 20) to compare the numbers of extinct, endangered, and vulnerable species and consider how their actions can help protect animals and plants.
Inquire: Students estimate the number of living things in a group to get a sense of the large number of species in the world.
Investigate: Students write numbers to represent the number of living things on the IUCN's Red List.
Inspire: Students compare and contrast numbers to compare groups of living things, reflecting on how to help living things in their community.
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Suggestions
- Use this lesson to help students consider how responsible decision-making directly impacts them and their environment.
- In this lesson, students can link the math skills of writing and comparing numbers to real-life applications.
- Work in the 1,000 Number Packet could be done outside of the designated time for lessons if students are working independently and the given time isn’t sufficient.
- This lesson may be completed over several days. Teach the Inquire section and introduce the number packet on Day 1. Work on the number packet on Day 2, and depending on the packet chosen, complete the Inspire section on the same day or the subsequent day.
- Highlight the problem and the solution listed for each species to encourage students to have hope that animals in danger can be supported through our actions.
Prerequisites
- This is lesson 2 of 3 in our Number Sense and Biodiversity unit.
- This lesson reinforces concepts of place value by giving students partner and independent practice. Students should already have an understanding of place value to at least 1,000 to fully engage with the materials.
The Teacher Script can be used as a guide during the Investigate section.
Differentiation
- Students can work independently or in groups to complete the Number Packet.
- The Number Packet has some numbers filled in for students to stay on track. More numbers could be added for support.
- For K-1st, there is a 100 Number Packet that converts the number of species on the list to 100, instead of 1,000.
- For early kindergarten, there is a 20 Number Packet that converts the number of species on the list to 20 and does not specify by category. The packet uses simple terms such as “in danger,” “not enough information,” and “not in danger.” If you choose to use this resource, do not use the IUCN category vocabulary cards.
- For students who do not have an understanding of place value up to 1,000, choose slides that are appropriate for their level in the Inspire section, only using tens or hundreds. Similar data can be found on IUCN’s website to substitute larger numbers.
From the scientist review
This lesson lets students build their capacity to quantify and have a sense of the state of biodiversity in their community. This activity enables them to have a grip on species richness and conditions that impact biodiversity, track changes to biodiversity loss, and learn ways to protect biodiversity. All materials embedded in the lesson are credible. As a result, this lesson has passed our credibility review process.
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About the teacher writer
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Emily Townsend
K-8 ELL Teacher
Emily Townsend is an educator with 15 years of teaching experience as both a general education teacher and an English Language Learner (ELL) specialist. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Drake University and a Master of Arts in Teaching, Leadership, and Cultural Competency from the University of Iowa.
