Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Biology
Lesson Topic: outline the role in conservation of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the purpose and structure of the IUCN Red List and its role in conservation.
  • Explain the three CITES Appendices and how they regulate international wildlife trade.
  • Analyse how IUCN scientific data inform CITES decisions and how the two bodies complement each other.
  • Evaluate the responsibilities of national CITES Management and Scientific Authorities.
  • Discuss the importance of international cooperation for biodiversity conservation.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Printed handouts of IUCN Red List summary and CITES Appendices table
  • Worksheet with comparison chart
  • Markers and flip chart
  • Access to the IUCN Red List website (online database)
  • Sticky notes for exit ticket
 Introduction:

Begin with a quick poll: which species do you think are most threatened by international trade? Review prior learning on biodiversity loss and species classification. Explain that today’s success criteria are to compare IUCN and CITES roles and illustrate how their data interact.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – students list three endangered species they know and share briefly.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – overview of IUCN: history, Red List, protected‑area categories (slides).
  3. Mini‑lecture (10’) – overview of CITES: treaty history, three Appendices, national implementation (slides).
  4. Guided comparison activity (15’) – groups fill a Venn diagram comparing IUCN and CITES using handouts; teacher circulates for misconceptions.
  5. Case‑study analysis (10’) – examine a species (e.g., African Elephant) to trace how IUCN assessment led to CITES Appendix listing; discuss in pairs.
  6. Whole‑class synthesis (5’) – students summarise three ways the bodies complement each other on the board.
  7. Exit ticket (5’) – write one key takeaway and one question on a sticky note.
Conclusion:

Recap the main functions of IUCN and CITES and how their collaboration supports species protection. Collect exit tickets to assess understanding, and assign homework to research a species listed in both the Red List and a CITES Appendix, preparing a brief summary for the next lesson.