Mrs. Kilmartin-- Regents Biology
Speak for an Endangered Species/Lorax Project

 

In The Lorax, Dr. Seuss introduces the "Once-ler" who cuts down the beautiful Truffula tress so that he can use their wonderful silk tufts to knit "thneeds". Thneed sales are so successful that the Once-ler builds a factory and invents the Super Axe Hacker which cuts down four trees at a time. The Lorax speaks up in defense of the trees, animals, air and water that the Once-ler is destroying in pursuit of bigger and bigger profits. Finally, when the last Truffula tree is cut down, production of the Thneeds ends. Closed factories, polluted air, polluted water and an uninhabitable wasteland are all that remain on the once beautiful site. The Lorax can no longer live here, but he leaves behind a small pile of rocks on which the word UNLESS is inscribed.

The Lorax illustrates an ecosystem, a natural unit in which living and non-living parts interact. All of the parts are linked together and functions as a unit. When one of the parts is altered or damaged, the entire system may fail.

Read The Lorax

Step 1:  Select an Endangered Animal to Study from the "Endangered Species List."  Use the following link.

US Fish & WildLife Services -- lists updated daily!

Step 2: Research your chosen organism using the internet (a few suggested links below and/or library resources).  Complete the question sheet provided to you in class.  Be prepared to "Speak for your Animal" in class.

Helpful Links for Endangered Species Research

American Museum of Natural History -- Endangered Species

E species Fact Sheets-- Defenders of Wildlife

Threatened Species-- Red List

Rainforest Habitat Destruction & Animals

Google

Step 3: Make a mask, puppet, or sign to help you to "speak for your animal."  Use construction paper, a lunch bag, or any other supplies you wish.  Be creative.  If you are not feeling crafty, you could find a picture of your animal and make a sign (8 x 11 piece of construction paper ).  

 

Helpful Links for Making Animal Mask

Animal Mask Links

Printable Animal Masks

Jungle Masks (ideas to copy)

 

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