Instructional Software

Lesson Idea Name: Endangered Species and Biodiversity

Content Area: Biology
Grade Level(s): 9-12

Content Standard Addressed:

SB5. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to assess the interdependence of all organisms on one
another and their environment.
b. Develop and use models to analyze the cycling of matter and flow of energy within ecosystems through the
processes of photosynthesis and respiration.
Arranging components of a food web according to energy flow.
c. Construct an argument to predict the impact of environmental change on the stability of an ecosystem.
d. Design a solution to reduce the impact of a human activity on the environment. (Clarification statement:
Human activities may include chemical use, natural resources consumption, introduction of non-native
species, greenhouse gas production.)
Technology Standard Addressed:
Empowered Learner
Students leverage technology to take an active role in choosing, achieving and demonstrating
competency in their learning goals, informed by the learning sciences.
Knowledge Constructor
Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge,
produce creative artifacts and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others.

Selected Technology Tool: PBS Learning Media

URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable): https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/human-activities-

that-threaten-biodiversity/biodiversity-videos/#.WUF-9mgrI2w

Type of Instructional Software:

Drill and Practice Tutorial Simulation Instructional Game e-books/e-references

Features of this software (check all that apply):

Assessment Monitoring/Reporting
Allows teacher to create customized lessons for students
Multi-user or collaborative functions with others in the class
Accessible to students beyond the school day
Accessible via mobile devices
Multiple languages
Safety, security and/or privacy features

Blooms Taxonomy Level(s):

Remembering Understanding Applying Analyzing Evaluating Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level):

Level 1: Awareness Level 2: Exploration Level 3: Infusion Level 4: Integration
Level 5: Expansion Level 6: Refinement (option for this addressed below)

Summer 2017_SJB
 Instructional Software
Lesson idea implementation:
Students will watch the video provided at home in a flipped classroom set-up, and will bring to class
either guided notes that were completed and three to five questions the video raised for the student. Video
and questions discussed in class with whole class. Students will then be grouped, and as a group they will find
an endangered species they would like to study (www.worldwildlife.org). Once they decide on a species, they
will research that species habitat and role in its environment to create an interactive life cycle and food web
on Prezi, or similar software. The food web should clearly show the species role in its environment. The life
cycle should show which type of human interaction is affecting the species (from video: land use, pollution,
resource depletion, invasive species introduction). Students will then explain their presentation on
VoiceThread, a video, or possibly podcast to explain all the above information, as well as one solution to
either how to save the species, or what we will do if the species goes extinct. This presentation will be
shown/played in class to allow for the students to show their work to their peers.
This project, which I think would take 1-2weeks to complete, would be introduced through class
discussions about ecosystems as well as reviewing climate change, or introducing the idea depending on
previous knowledge. The lesson would wrap up a unit on biodiversity and ecosystems. The assignment will be
graded on the clarity of the presentation, how in-depth of a solution was offered, as well as how well the
technology was used by student. Student learning could be extended by asking them to email/talk to a
researcher involved in studying that species to ask for their input for a solution as well, but I would only do
this for 11-12th graders as it usually requires more time to involve outside experts. The lesson will conclude
with a brief overview of biodiversity in general, but also a recap of ways human interaction is depleting
diversity, and could potentially restore it based off solutions the students came up with. Feedback will be
provided to the group by the teacher on a written rubric, but also from peers through a question portion at
the end of each presentation, and from fellow group members by grading each others effort and
involvement in the project.

Summer 2017_SJB