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Every species on earth has a specific and important role in the environment. During the second semester of the year, students research an endangered species and the issues affecting it. The report is broken up into two major components: ecological and socioeconomic factors. Then the projects are presented in the form of webpages to the public. The students not only learn about the devastating issues involved with their endangered species, but also gain advanced computer skills.

Ecological Concerns
*Define the Endangered Species Act, its effectiveness, strengths and weaknesses.
*What is the species' niche (role) in the ecosystem?
*Discuss the local impact should the species become extinct.


Socioeconomic Concerns
*Why is the species being threatened?
*Discuss national or international legislative bodies related to it and laws that protect their existence.
*What groups or organizations are attempting to protect them?

Examples of Student's Websites:

2010:

Behren's Silverspot Butterfly / Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy Owl / California Tiger Salamander / Common Chimpanzee / Darter Okaloosa / Desert Slender Salamander / Elkhorn Coral / Hyacinth Macaw / Northern Bluefin Tuna / Reticulated Flatwoods Salamander / San Francisco Garter Snake / San Joaquin Kit Fox / Tasmanian Devil / Western Lowland Gorilla / White Abalone

2009:

Blunt-nose Leopard Lizard / Humphead Wrasse / Wyoming Toad

2008:

Giant Kangaroo Rat / Knysna Seahorse / Northern Spotted Owl

2007:

Asian Elephant / Mexican Long-Nose Bat / Mission Blue Butterfly

2006:

Leatherback Seaturtle / Sperm Whale

2005:

Harvest Mouse / American Crocodile / Black Rhinoceros

2004/Earlier:

Arroyo Toad/ California Condor / Grey Bat / Mississippi Gopher Frog

 

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