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Teacher's Guide
Unit Four: Resilience
Arrow Activity Tasks

Students will:

  • define resilient.
  • listen to Dr. E.O. Wilson discuss biodiversity.
  • research the causes of extinction.
  • explore endangered species act.
  • research an endangered species.
  • read an excerpt on extinction.
  • learn how resilience has affected Dr. Jane’s life.
  • reflect and journal on how they respond to challenges.
Arrow Dr. Jane’s Lesson
Dr. Jane has experienced several hardships in her life that were out of her control. During those times, Dr. Jane sought comfort in a variety of ways, including seeking peace and hope in nature and nature’s resilience. Students can explore the methods Dr. Jane used to maintain her resilience. They can realize that everyone has hardships at some time in their lives and that everyone has his or her own personal way of seeking comfort during those times.

Arrow Duration
  • Part 1 - 1 ½ hours
  • Part 2 - 20 minutes
Arrow Materials
Arrow Connecting to the Content
Most people have some general knowledge of extinctions and endangered species. Still, many individuals do not realize the extent to which extinctions are affecting the earth and how many species are endangered within their own state. Students gain an appreciation for the severity of the situation, both globally and locally. This provides students with the information they need to create an endangered species recovery plan in the next section.

Arrow Before You Begin
Before you begin, go to the Roots & Shoots website to register your class for Roots & Shoots membership and to learn about the benefits of being a member.

Arrow Procedure
Part 1: Learn About Nature's Resilience
  1. Direct the class to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary to find the definition of resilient. Have students note the synonym “elastic.” Do they think this accurately describes the earth? Do they think this accurately describes themselves?
  2. Have students listen to Dr. E.O. Wilson discuss biodiversity on the planet.
  3. Ask the class to read about the Sixth Extinction and the causes of extinctions.
  4. The Sixth Extinction and Causes of Extinctions

    1. Have students read a summary of the Sixth Extinction.
    2. Direct the class to access HIPPO to learn more about the many different factors contributing to the loss of biodiversity and extinctions.
    3. Have students find examples of HIPPO in their community by selecting the following links:
  5. Have students research the Endangered Species Act.
  6. Learn about the Endangered Species Act

    1. Have students read an overview of the Endangered Species Act and its purpose.
    2. Ask the class to access a slideshow to learn more about endangered species and the Endangered Species Act.
    3. Direct students to find out what species are threatened and endangered in their state.
    4. Have students select a species to research.
    5. Ask the class to research background information about their species using the worksheet provided.

  7. Have students read an excerpt titled, “Sifting through the Embers,” from the book, Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams.
Part 2: Reflect on Human Resilience
  1. Direct students to Dr. Jane’s scrapbook to learn about resilience in her life.
  2. Have the class reflect and journal about how they respond to challenges that are our of their control.
Arrow Assessment

Have students:

  • explain the meaning of resilient and if, after completing the section, they think the earth and its inhabitants are resilient.
  • share what the Sixth Extinction is.
  • communicate the information they learned about their state through HIPPO.
  • demonstrate their knowledge of the Endangered Species Act and the species that are threatened and endangered in their state.
  • share the background information they researched about their chosen endangered species.
  • share how they respond to challenges that are out of their control.
Arrow Extensions
  • Students may want to research the HIPPO of other states rather than just their own states. Students can then note how their home state compares with other states.
  • Students may want to research an endangered species that is not from their state.
Arrow Terms
  • Edward O. Wilson – A biologist known most for his research and writing in sociobiology and evolutionary psychology.
  • Endangered Species Act – Passed in 1973, provided for the protection of threatened and endangered species and conservation of the ecosystems on which the species depend; accomplished through federal action and by encouraging the establishment of state programs.
  • Evolutionary Psychology – A field that explores the links between genetic and cultural evolution that helps explain what makes us who we are.
  • Invasive Species – A species that is non-native to the ecosystem and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic, environmental, or human harm.
  • Resilient – Capable of withstanding shock without permanent deformation or rupture; tending to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.
  • Sixth Extinction – Gradual extinction of earth’s environment, including rain forest, coral reefs, ocean and fresh water life, and multiple animal species. Of the six major extinctions, it is the only one that is caused mostly by humans.
  • Sociobiology – Study of nature’s role in determining human behavior.
Teacher's Guide
Unit One
  ArrowTree Exercise
  ArrowRoots
  ArrowShoots
  ArrowMentors
Unit Two
  ArrowObserver
  ArrowPioneer  
  ArrowExpert  
Unit Three
  ArrowKnowledge
  ArrowCompassion
  ArrowAction
Unit Four
  ArrowResilience
  ArrowPerseverance
  ArrowCelebration
 
 Related Topics:
  ArrowABC's of Chimp Behavior
  ArrowDr. Jane's Scrapbook
  ArrowE-Card
  ArrowMultiple Intelligences
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  ArrowOnline Dictionary
  ArrowTree Sketching Guide
 
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