Chadron High's Wildlife Science students recently completed a unit on endangered species from around the world. They created a model of the animal and its habitat. Students researched and compiled data. Requirements for the project included: Identification by Genus and species, common name, geographical location-map, current population graph, causes of endangerment, patterns or trends relating to the population, physical description of animal, food sources, track comparison, migration patterns, breeding characteristics, gestation, life span, unique characteristics, symbiotic relationships, recovery efforts, future outlook, and organizations associated with species. All documented information was organized into a visual graphic poster design.
Students orally presented to their peers and then shared what they had learned with fourth grade at the Intermediate building. The high school students used IPADs to show the animal's behavior in addition to the physical models and verbal explanations. Animal topics included: Amur Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Whooping Crane, Bengal Tiger, Green Sea Turtle, Mountain Gorilla, Giant Panda, Black Rhino, Caspian Seal, Orangutan, Chimpanzee, and Zebra. Students from both buildings stated it was a positive learning experience and would like it to continue. It tied in nicely, as the fourth graders were conducting research on an endangered species as well! A great time was had by all participants!