🐢 Protecting the future means protecting those who can’t speak for themselves. 🐢

In this lesson plan customizable for elementary and high school students, they’ll dive into the world of endangered species: what they are, why they matter, and what’s putting them at risk. Through quick discussions, case studies, and a bit of creative problem-solving, they’ll explore how human actions impact biodiversity. Students will take part in an interactive Goosechase Experience that blends research, creativity, and teamwork.

Get your students thinking, creating, and sharing real ways we can all help protect wildlife.

Grade: 7 - 12

Subject: Science, Social Studies, Environmental Studies

Learning Objectives:

• By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
  • Define “endangered species” and explain why species become endangered or extinct.
  • Identify human activities that contribute to species decline.
  • Propose solutions for protecting biodiversity.
  • Collaborate and problem-solve through an interactive Goosechase Experience.

Materials:

• Mobile devices (tablets, phones, or laptops) with the Goosechase app installed
• Projector or whiteboard
• Paper, markers, or digital tools for brainstorming solutions
• Optional: short video clips or articles on endangered species

Preparation:

• Create an Experience on the Goosechase app with a series of Missions focussed on  endangered species.
• Develop Missions that require students to demonstrate their understanding of what they have learned. Example Missions:
  • The Plastic Problem: Find a product or object at home/school that could harm wildlife (e.g., plastic bottle) and share an alternative.
  • On the Red List: Submit a short text on one species on the IUCN Red List and why it’s endangered.
  • Wildlife PSA Challenge: Record a 30-second “PSA” video convincing the public to protect a chosen species.
  • Conservation Creatives: Work together to brainstorm and submit a drawing or digital image of a conservation campaign poster.
  • One Small Step: Answer: “What is one action YOU can take this week to support endangered species?”

Find Example Missions in the Goosechase Template below

• Adapt the difficulty of the Missions based on the proficiency levels of your students to keep the activity inclusive and engaging for everyone.
• Prepare hints or resources that might help students solve the Missions if needed.
• Divide students into teams and assign each team a mobile device with the app, or have students complete the scavenger hunt individually.
• Run your Experience during one class period or longer.
• App Set-Up 
  • Dedicate time to ensuring all students have the Goosechase app downloaded and joined to the Experience to avoid any tech issues.

Lesson Outline:

• Lesson Hook
  • Start with a short video or photo montage of endangered animals.

• Mini-Lesson
  • Have discussions with students on topics related to:
    • What “endangered” means.
    • Causes of endangerment (habitat loss, poaching, pollution, climate change, invasive species).
    • Why biodiversity matters.
    • Conservation efforts
  • Ask: “What do all these species have in common? Why should we care?”
• Group/Individual Activity
  • Option A: Endangered Species Case Study 
    • Assign each group a different endangered species (e.g., orangutan, sea turtle, monarch butterfly)
    • Groups research the following: 
      • Why is it endangered? 
      • What are current conservation efforts? 
      • What else could be done?
  • Option B: Endangered Species Profile
    • Each student selects one species to research
    • Student fills out the following: 
      • species name
      • threats to species
      • solutions
  • Groups/individuals share highlights with the class.
• Goosechase Scavenger Hunt
  • Read through Missions with students, emphasizing the importance of fire safety.
  • Monitor progress and provide assistance as necessary.
  • If working in teams, encourage them to strategize and collaborate to solve the Missions.
  • Sit back and enjoy watching your students collaborate and demonstrate their learning.
• Debrief and Reflection
  • Review the activity, discussing which missions were the most challenging or fun.
  • Discussion Prompt: “What role do humans play in protecting species? What can YOU do?”
  • Discuss how teams collaborated and solved problems together.
  • Optionally, award prizes to the team(s) with the highest score

Optional Post-Experience Activities:

• Essay
  • Students write a one-page persuasive essay on why a specific endangered species should be saved and how.
• Infographic 
  • Students create an infographic showing threats to one species and conservation solutions.
• Media Creation
  • In small groups, students design a campaign poster, video PSA, or social media plan advocating for an endangered species.
• Research Project 
  • In groups, students research a successful conservation effort (e.g., bald eagle, giant panda) and present what made it effective.

Assessment

• Teacher observation during discussion and drill practice.
• Student participation and accuracy in Goosechase missions.
• Review of individual homework (Essay and Infographic).
• Evaluation of group projects (Media Creation and Research Project).

Ready Made Experience

Save the Species

Join the race to protect endangered species and uncover solutions to save our planet’s biodiversity.

Get your own copy!

Want a copy of this lesson plan to use with your class?

Extend the Impact 🌱

Want to inspire your students to keep protecting our planet? Explore more Goosechase lesson plans that dive into conservation, community, and environmental action—perfect for sparking ongoing reflection and real-world impact.

• Underwater Ecosystems Lesson Plan
• Aquarium Field Trip Lesson Plan
• Zoo Field Trip Lesson Plan
• Coral Reefs: An Ecosystem Adventure Experience

More Where That Came From:

This is just one of many ready-to-run Goosechase lesson plans we’ve created. Explore them all and keep your students learning, laughing, and engaged year-round.

What is Goosechase EDU?

Goosechase is an online platform that helps educators create and run interactive learning experiences in their classrooms and beyond. Sign up and try creating an Experience, or contact us to learn more about our school and district-wide solutions!