Lesson Plan - Creature Comebacks

Watch a Video: Searching for Lost Species
Ask: Based on the video, what are some ways you could help animals in trouble?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know. 

• deforestation
• elusive

Set a Purpose for Reading
Have students look for details explaining why experts want to find missing species.

1. What does the author mean when she writes that “the search is far from over”?
The author means that even though scientists have found eight of the long-lost species, they will keep looking for other species that are still missing.
^{R.4 Determine Meaning}

2. What threats have the animals described in the article faced?
The Voeltzkow’s chameleon has faced deforestation and other threats. The Fernandina giant tortoise has been hunted by humans, and its eggs and hatchlings have been eaten by animals. The silver-backed chevrotain has been hunted for its meat.
^{R.9 Integrate Information}

3. What is a camera trap, according to the article?
A camera trap is a camera with sensors that trigger it to take photos when animals go by.
^{R.1 Text Evidence}

FEATURED SKILL: Main Idea and Key Details
Use the Skill Builder “What’s the Main Idea?” to have students identify the main idea and key details of the article. 
^{R.2 Main Idea and Details}