Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Biology
Lesson Topic: explain why populations and species can become extinct as a result of: climate change, competition, hunting by humans, degradation and loss of habitats
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe how climate change, competition, hunting, and habitat loss drive population declines and extinction.
  • Explain the specific mechanisms (e.g., phenological mismatch, competitive exclusion, Allee effects) by which each driver reduces species viability.
  • Evaluate case studies and assess conservation actions that can mitigate extinction risk.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • PowerPoint slides with driver diagrams
  • Printed worksheet with case‑study questions
  • Species extinction‑risk cards
  • Short video clip on habitat loss
  • Markers and flip‑chart paper
 Introduction:
Begin with a striking image of a recently extinct species (e.g., the thylacine) to capture interest. Ask students to recall any known reasons why species disappear, linking to prior lessons on ecosystems. Explain that today they will investigate five major drivers of extinction and identify how scientists assess risk.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – students list known extinction causes on sticky notes.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – overview of climate‑change impacts with slides and diagram.
  3. Group activity (12') – each group analyses one driver (competition, hunting, habitat loss) using case cards and completes a cause‑effect chart.
  4. Whole‑class synthesis (8') – groups present findings; teacher highlights connections and IUCN categories.
  5. Quick quiz (5') – Kahoot or exit‑ticket with three scenario questions.
  6. Reflection (5') – students write one actionable conservation measure they could support.
Conclusion:
Summarize how the five drivers interact to push species toward extinction and how the IUCN Red List guides conservation priorities. Students complete an exit ticket stating which driver they found most compelling and why. Assign homework to research a local species at risk and propose a mitigation strategy.