Author Description

Both humanity and nature have suffered greatly from human insensitivity. Not only are the natural resources of the earth being depleted and its air, land and water polluted, the financial resources of humanity are being wasted on destructive expenditures. The "Our Only Earth" series is an integrated science, language arts, and social studies problem solving program for grades 4-12 that addresses six different global issues. The units are designed to provide students with knowledge and skills to address these major global issues actively. The unit presented in this document addresses the problems associated with the global effects of endangered species and their chances for survival. The document includes information to assist teachers in organizing and directing students in their activities. This teacher's guide includes a unit overview, instructions on how to collect information through letter writing (including addresses for appropriate organizations), four classroom activities, a set of fact cards, instructions for a scavenger hunt, instructions for a geography activity, instructions for research and independent study, and materials for a youth summit on endangered species. Additional materials included in this packet are a discussion and chart of instructional techniques and thinking skills used in the unit, a glossary of terms and a bibliography of 39 books, articles, other resources, and games on endangered species. (CW)