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Endangered Species & Their Habitats for Children

According to the World Conservation Society, the rate at which endangered plants and animals are becoming extinct is rapidly increasing. Since 1996, a total of 3315 combined amphibian, reptile, fish, bird and mammal species have been added to the list. It is important to educate children about endangered species and habitats so that they will become involved in addressing the problem at an early age.

Museums and Zoos
- A trip to the zoo offers an ideal opportunity to teach about wildlife habitats.
  
  A trip to a natural science museum is one way to introduce students to different species of animals, past and present, as well as their habitats. Your family may wish to visit a museum together, or investigate whether your child's school can plan a field trip. A trip to the zoo can be made either as a family or with a school group. Zoo trips offer the child a firsthand look at an appropriate habitat for each animal.
Letter Writing
- Encourage children to write letters to a Senator about endangered species.
  
  Encourage your child to find out about local species that are endangered, and about groups that exist to help them. Explain the Endangered Species Act, which describes U.S. policy on endangered species. Help the child write a letter to his Senator or Congressperson to ask any questions or express any concerns or ideas that he has.
Species Adoption
- Teachers whose students are learning about endangered species and habitats may wish to have their students "adopt" an endangered species. Students can find information online on endangered species through the World Wildlife Fund or the Nature Conservancy. They may wish to look into animals or habitats that are local and monitor their progress over a period of time, and even raise money for those animals or the organizations that are trying to protect them. These activities can be done outside of the classroom, as well.
Clean-Up Day
- Clean-ups teach children about keeping habitats safe for plants and animals.
  
  Have your child or class participate in a clean-up event. This is as simple as picking up trash at a park, or it could be an organized event. As students pick up trash, have them note the items they find. Later, they can research how various items that are improperly discarded can negatively impact plants and animals on land and in water. Which things are biodegradable? Which are not? How long does it take for debris to decompose? This is a golden opportunity for teachers to work in a lesson on recycling.

Animals & Science