EndangeredSpecies2005        Endangered Species/Park Assignment

 

Objectives:  There are many important reasons for preserving wildlife species.  Species in danger of extinction are divided into several categories including; rare, endangered, threatened (vulnerable) and even indeterminate (lacking sufficient data).  The International Union for the Conservation of Nature publishes the Red Book of Threatened Animals (also known as the Red Data Book).   Many animals have received a lot of publicity e.g. California Condor or Tigers, however fish, mollusks, plants, etc. are also important parts of the endangered species problem.  Likewise several well known pieces of legislation e.g. Endangered Species Act of 1973 or the CITES international treaty have been enacted. 

            The future of America’s wilderness depends on balanced resource management.  National Parks and Wilderness areas are valuable assets and are endangered just are the species found within their boundaries.  It is often said that American’s love their National Parks to death.  Indeed heavy use and ensuing pollution and destruction have taken its toll.   Recently a “Ten Most Endangered Parks” list was published by the National Parks Conservation Association. 

 

Your individual assignment is to investigate

Endangered Species- (1) the major current causes of extinction, (2) the traits shared by species likely to become endangered, (3) the risk factors for extinction, (4) the necessary components of a successful wildlife management plan, (5) describe a representative species facing extinction; include a photo or drawing.

                                                           

                                                            Or 

 

Endangered Parks-  (1) the major human impacts that threaten parks, (2) the traits that lead to park endangerment, (3) the components of a successful park management plan, (4) identification of a National Park with a description of the Parks location and its attributes that gained it National Park status.

 

Please double space , spell check, edit and proof your assignment.  It should be a minimum of 3 pages but no more than 5 pages in length.  You must include citations for all sources and a list of references that you used (minimum of 3).  Please follow the MLA or APA guides for style.  Please go the following link –

            http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Citations.html

Your textbook of course can be counted as a source but should not be the only reference you consult.

 

Your assignment is due May 27th, 2005 and is worth 50 points.  Late papers will loose 5 points each calendar day. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Extra Credit Option - This is the ONLY extra credit this semester.  25 points. Due date for XC is June 1st.

 

Your extra-credit will be reviewed by myself and must be presented to the class

to receive credit.

 

PowerPoint Presentation

For those of you who are computer literate, and have some PowerPoint experience, you may prepare your presentation with PowerPoint.  Do not rely only on text in your presentation; add some visual aids.  In addition to visual aids, you may also include sound effects or movie clips. Check your spelling and grammar, it will count towards your final grade.

Your presentation must be saved and submitted on a disk or CD.  You may have no other saved documents of any kind on the disk or CD with your presentation.

 

Pre-taped Video Presentation

For those of you who are very creative, you may use a video camera to record a two to five minute “infomercial” about your endangered species or park.  You can treat it as a public service announcement, a news report, or a mini documentary

You must turn in a videocassette (VHS), a DVD or a CD of your final project.  The cassette must be rewound and set to the beginning of your presentation.  The project must be the only thing on the tape, DVD or CD.