Vanished!

Science

Students will research and explain how certain types of animals became extinct.

What You Need

What to Do

  1. Ask students to identify and investigate an extinct animal species. Direct them to online or reference book sources or, if possible, organize a trip to a local science museum where they can study animal exhibits, take notes, and ask questions.
  2. Have students write a report about their chosen species, explaining scientific theories or facts about how it became extinct, as well as how the animal's extinction has affected other species and the environment. Ask students to supplement their reports with drawings or photographs of the extinct animal.
  3. Have students present their findings to the class.

Internet Resources

Late Pleistocene Extinctions
Thousands of years ago, the United States was home to animals like the saber tooth cat, the mastodon, and the mammoth. What were they like? Why don't we see them strolling around town today? Check out this Web site to find out why.
http://www.museum.state.il.us/exhibits/larson/LP_extinction.html