Humans in Nature: Endangered Species

About This Course

Humans are part of (rather than separate from) nature. This cross-disciplined course will use the lens of art, natural history, science, and culture, to explore:

• What does it mean for a species to be considered or classified as “endangered”?
• What relationships exist between humans and threatened and/or endangered species?
• Learners will:
  • Understand what it means for a species to be endangered.
  • Learn about how artists and culture(s) have responded to the realities of endangered species.
  • Research different ways in which species become endangered.
  • Consider how human behaviors have impacted endangered species in the past and have the potential for impacting species in the future.
  • Try out different ways individuals can raise awareness about species they care about.

More Information

Our Read Along feature allows learners to read AND listen to the text on each page. This feature also provides TRANSLATION options for over 25 languages!

All learners are provided individual accounts for personalized learning.

Guides-on-the-Side may monitor, assess, and interact with learner activities and discussions.

Coursework adheres to national standards and focuses on 21st Century Learning skills.

This course meets the following National Standards:

STEELS Standards: 

• 3.1.6-8.K Life Science: Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems

• 3.1.6-8.U Life Science: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

• MS-LS2-3 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics - Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.

• MS-LS2-5 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics - Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.

• VA:Cr2.3.7a: Apply visual organizational strategies to design and produce a work of art, design, or media that clearly communicates information or ideas.

• VA:Cr3.1.7a: Reflect on and explain important information about personal artwork in an artist statement or another format.

• VA:Cn10.1.6a: Generate a collection of ideas reflecting current interests and concerns that could be investigated in artmaking.

• VA:Re8.1.7a: Interpret art by analyzing artmaking approaches, the characteristics of form and structure, relevant contextual information, subject matter, and use of media to identify ideas and mood conveyed.

• VA:Cr1.1.6.a - Combine concepts collaboratively to generate innovative ideas for creating art.

• VA:Cr1.2.8a Collaboratively shape an artistic investigation of an aspect of present-day life using a contemporary practice of art and design.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.1: Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.1.A: Introduce claim(s) about a topic or issue, acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.1.B: Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, accurate data and evidence that demonstrate an understanding of the topic or text, using credible sources.

21st Century Learning Skills Addressed in this Module:

• Initiative
• Communication
• Creativity
• Critical Thinking
• Media Literacy
• Information Literacy
• Collaboration
• Productivity