Science·Animals of the World·conceptual
Endangered & Extinct Species
Understand why some animal species become endangered or go extinct — habitat destruction, hunting/poaching, pollution, climate change, and invasive species — and know examples like the giant panda, mountain gorilla, Amur leopard, and the now-extinct dodo and thylacine, using the IUCN Red List as the system scientists use to track threatened species
Suggested ages 9–11
Learning journey
Your child is discovering how animals have evolved amazing adaptations to survive in their environments, exploring complex animal behaviors and intelligence, and learning about conservation efforts to protect endangered species and biodiversity.
Evidence of understanding
- Defines endangered as a species at risk of extinction
- Names at least 3 causes of species becoming endangered
- Gives at least 3 examples of endangered or extinct animals
- Knows the IUCN Red List exists as a tracking system
Assessment prompt
If Endangered & Extinct Species sees a news story about an endangered animal, can they explain what 'endangered' means and describe at least three reasons why some animals are at risk of disappearing forever?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.