"To become extinct is the greatest tragedy in nature"
"There have already been at least five big waves of mass extinction, caused by everything from meteorites to drought. The fifth and most recent wave, which took place a mere 65 million years ago, destroyed the dinosaurs along with about two-thirds of all animal species alive at that time. In other words, we've been through this before.
But the sixth wave, the one that's happening now, is different. For the first time, a single species, Homo sapiens-humankind-is wiping out thousands of life forms by consuming and altering the earth's resources. Humans now use up more than half of the world's fresh water and nearly half of everything that's grown on land. The sixth wave isn't new; it started about twelve thousand years ago when humans began clearing land to plant food crops. But our impact upon the earth is accelerating so rapidly now that thousands of species are being lost every year. Each of these species belongs to a complicated web of energy and activity called an ecosystem. Together, these webs connect the smallest mites to the greatest trees." Philip Hoose
But the sixth wave, the one that's happening now, is different. For the first time, a single species, Homo sapiens-humankind-is wiping out thousands of life forms by consuming and altering the earth's resources. Humans now use up more than half of the world's fresh water and nearly half of everything that's grown on land. The sixth wave isn't new; it started about twelve thousand years ago when humans began clearing land to plant food crops. But our impact upon the earth is accelerating so rapidly now that thousands of species are being lost every year. Each of these species belongs to a complicated web of energy and activity called an ecosystem. Together, these webs connect the smallest mites to the greatest trees." Philip Hoose
Awareness: Endangered BirdsAfter reading Owl Moon and doing the Olshansky writer workshop with the text, we started a mini study of birds. We kicked off the study with an interest-building engagement, using the game Bird Bingo. Students identified birds they have seen, birds they thought lived in SC, and birds they had never heard of. They also identified a bird that they thought was most interesting. Next, using polleverywhere, students voted in real time on which types of birds they would be most interested in researching. After reading the intro the Race to Save the Lord God Bird and playing Bird Bingo, endangered birds was our clear winner. Turn up the volume and listen to students discuss their take aways from the Endangered Bird Project. Click the Links Below to Interact With Student ResearchThe Spotted Owl
The Sumatran Ground Cuckoo Florida Scrub Jay Spix Macaw Kakapo Palila Willow Flycatcher New Caledonian Owlet Nightjar Kitland's Warbler Philippine Eagle Gouldian Finch Golden Cheeked Warbler *Please note: This is a gallery and any image can be enlarged by clicking on it. |