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This CNNfyi.com lesson plan is supplemented with material from Manatee ProtectionLesson Plans by monthLesson Plans by subject Curriculum connections: Zoology After students read the CNNfyi.com article "Manatee numbers up, but injuries persist" ask the following questions: 1. Who is Maya Dougherty? What organization does she work for? According to Dougherty, what evidence suggests that manatees are still an endangered species? What natural and human forces threaten the manatee's existance? 2. Why is the U.S. federal government planning to designate 16 manatee refuges and sanctuaries? Why is this a contentious issue? How do boating and fishing organizations feel about providing further protection for manatees? How might the new refuges and sanctuaries impact boaters and fishermen? 3. According to the recent aerial survey, how large is the current manatee population? How much has the manatee population increased since the previous aerial survey? Refer students to the links below to learn more about manatees and the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Instruct students to identify the criteria used to designate a species as endangered or threatened. Then, as a class, discuss whether students think the manatee should still be considered an endangeed species.
Extension 2. Challenge students to identify other examples of how the encroachment of man has impacted indigenous species. Then ask: Are any animals in your area in danger? Ask a town representative to talk to your class about local areas and indigenous animals that are affected by human population growth. Have students brainstorm ways in which they can help to solve these problems. Ask a student to volunteer to write the ideas into a letter from the class to send to the appropriate officials. RELATED SITES: manatee.nu -the nu world of manatees |
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