Objectives (5 - 7 minutes)

1. Identify and understand the concept of Extinction in the context of Evolution. Students should be able to define extinction as the complete disappearance of a species from the Earth.
2. Understand the natural selection process and its role in the extinction of species. Students should be able to explain how changes in the environment can lead to the survival or extinction of a species.
3. Analyze and discuss examples of extinct species and the reasons for their extinction. Students should be able to identify key factors that may contribute to the extinction of a species, such as changes in the environment or competition with other species.

Secondary Objectives:

• Develop critical thinking skills by analyzing the impact of extinction on the diversity of life on Earth.
• Enhance communication skills by participating in class discussions and presenting findings.
• Foster an interest in environmental science and conservation.

Introduction (10 - 15 minutes)

1. The teacher begins the lesson by reminding students of the previous lessons on the theory of Evolution and Natural Selection. This serves as a foundation for the current lesson. (2 - 3 minutes)
2. The teacher presents two problem situations to the students:
   • The first situation could be a hypothetical scenario where the environment of a particular species drastically changes, and the species is unable to adapt. The teacher asks the students to predict what might happen to this species.
   • The second situation could be a case study of a real-world example of a species that has recently become extinct. The teacher asks the students to speculate on the potential reasons for this extinction event. (3 - 4 minutes)
3. The teacher contextualizes the importance of the subject by discussing its real-world applications. This could include:
   • The impact of species extinction on the balance of ecosystems and the potential effects on human life.
   • The role of scientific research and conservation efforts in preventing or mitigating extinction events.
   • The use of fossil records and other scientific methods to study extinct species and their contribution to our understanding of the Earth's history. (3 - 4 minutes)
4. To grab the students' attention, the teacher shares two intriguing facts or stories related to extinction and evolution:
   • The first could be about the Dodo bird, a species that went extinct in the 17th century due to human activities. The teacher can mention how the Dodo bird's extinction led to the development of the field of conservation.
   • The second could be about the Permian-Triassic extinction event, the most severe extinction event in Earth's history, where over 90% of species went extinct. The teacher can highlight how this event shaped the evolution of life on Earth. (3 - 4 minutes)
5. The teacher concludes the introduction by stating the objectives of the lesson, and the students are encouraged to actively participate in the discussion and ask questions. (1 minute)

Development (20 - 25 minutes)

1. Understanding the Concept of Extinction (5 - 7 minutes)

   • The teacher begins by defining extinction as the complete disappearance of a species from the Earth's surface. This is not just the death of individual organisms but the end of a lineage.
   • The teacher clarifies that extinction is a natural part of the evolutionary process and has occurred throughout the history of life on Earth.
   • To illustrate this, the teacher uses a visual aid such as a timeline of Earth's history, highlighting the major extinction events and the periods of rapid diversification that followed.
   • The teacher emphasizes that while extinction is a natural process, human activities have accelerated the rate of extinction in recent times, leading to a current biodiversity crisis.

2. The Role of Natural Selection in Extinction (5 - 7 minutes)

   • The teacher reviews the concept of natural selection and its role in the adaptation and survival of species.
   • The teacher then explains how changes in the environment can lead to the extinction of species. This can occur if a species cannot adapt quickly enough to new conditions, or if its niche in the ecosystem disappears.
   • The teacher uses a simple example, such as the extinction of dinosaurs due to a catastrophic event (the asteroid impact), or the extinction of the woolly mammoth due to climate change, to help students visualize the role of natural selection in extinction.

3. Understanding the Impact of Extinction (5 - 7 minutes)

   • The teacher discusses the far-reaching impacts of species extinction. This includes the loss of genetic diversity, the potential loss of ecosystem services, and the impact on human well-being.
   • The teacher uses examples, such as the role of bees in pollination, to help students understand the concept of ecosystem services and the potential consequences of their loss.
   • The teacher also highlights that many species have gone extinct before humans had a chance to study them, and this means we have lost potential sources of scientific knowledge and inspiration for technology and medicine.

4. Understanding the Reasons for Extinction (5 - 7 minutes)

   • The teacher explains that there are various reasons why species go extinct, and these can include natural factors like competition, predation, disease, and environmental changes, as well as human activities like habitat destruction, pollution, overhunting, and climate change.
   • The teacher emphasizes that it is often a combination of factors that leads to extinction, and that these factors can interact in complex ways.
   • The teacher uses examples to illustrate these points, such as the extinction of the passenger pigeon due to overhunting, or the decline of the coral reefs due to a combination of factors including pollution, overfishing, and climate change.

At the end of this stage, the teacher should check for understanding by asking students to summarize the main points discussed. The teacher should also encourage students to ask any questions they have and to share any thoughts or insights they've gained from the lesson. The teacher should make note of any areas of confusion or interest to guide the next stages of the lesson or future lessons. (2 - 3 minutes)

Feedback (5 - 7 minutes)

1. Classroom Discussion (3 - 4 minutes)

   • The teacher facilitates a discussion where students are encouraged to share their thoughts and reflections on the lesson. This can include their understanding of the concept of extinction, the role of natural selection in extinction, and the impacts and reasons for extinction.
   • The teacher can pose open-ended questions to stimulate the discussion, such as:
     1. "Can you think of any species that are currently at risk of extinction? What factors are contributing to their decline?"
     2. "How do you think human activities are influencing the rate of extinction?"
     3. "What can we do as individuals and as a society to prevent or mitigate extinction events?"

2. Connecting Theory and Practice (1 - 2 minutes)

   • The teacher encourages students to reflect on how the concepts learned in the lesson apply to real-world situations. This can include discussing the implications of extinction for biodiversity conservation, the role of scientific research in understanding and potentially preventing extinctions, and the responsibility of humans in addressing the current biodiversity crisis.
   • The teacher can also ask students to consider the ways in which the study of extinct species, such as through fossil records, contributes to our understanding of the Earth's history and the processes of evolution and extinction.

3. Assessing Learning (1 - 2 minutes)

   • The teacher asks students to take a moment to reflect on their learning and identify any areas where they still have questions or would like further clarification. This can be done through a quick "one-minute paper" activity, where students write down their thoughts and questions.
   • The teacher can also ask a couple of students to share what they found most interesting or surprising about the lesson. This can provide valuable feedback on what aspects of the lesson were most engaging and effective.

At the end of the feedback stage, the teacher should summarize the main points of the lesson and clarify any remaining questions or misconceptions. The teacher should also provide a preview of the next lesson, if applicable, to help students see the connections between different topics in biology. (1 minute)

Conclusion (3 - 5 minutes)

1. Summary and Recap (1 - 2 minutes)

   • The teacher begins the conclusion by summarizing the main points of the lesson. This includes the definition of extinction, the role of natural selection in extinction, the impacts of extinction, and the reasons for extinction.
   • The teacher also recaps the real-world examples and case studies that were used to illustrate these concepts, such as the extinction of the Dodo bird and the Permian-Triassic extinction event.
   • The teacher reminds students that extinction is a natural part of the evolutionary process, but human activities are currently causing an unprecedented rate of extinction.

2. Connecting Theory, Practice, and Applications (1 minute)

   • The teacher explains how the lesson connected theoretical knowledge with practical applications. This includes:
     • Understanding the concept of extinction and its role in the evolution of life on Earth.
     • Recognizing the impacts of extinction on ecosystems and human well-being.
     • Identifying the reasons for extinction and the potential ways to prevent or mitigate it.
   • The teacher also highlights the importance of the subject for everyday life, such as the role of conservation in preserving biodiversity and the potential implications of the current biodiversity crisis for the future.

3. Additional Materials (1 minute)

   • The teacher suggests additional resources for students who are interested in learning more about the topic. This could include books, documentaries, websites, or scientific articles about extinct species, conservation biology, or the current biodiversity crisis.
   • The teacher can also provide a list of key terms and concepts for students to review, as well as some questions for reflection or discussion.
   • The teacher encourages students to explore these resources and to bring any questions or insights to the next class.

4. Relevance to Everyday Life (1 minute)

   • The teacher concludes the lesson by discussing the relevance of the topic to everyday life. This includes:
     • Understanding the potential impacts of the current biodiversity crisis on ecosystems and human well-being.
     • Recognizing the role of scientific research and conservation efforts in preventing or mitigating extinction events.
     • Appreciating the value of biodiversity and the potential loss of scientific knowledge and inspiration from the extinction of species.
   • The teacher emphasizes that the study of biology is not just about learning facts, but about understanding the world around us and our place in it. The teacher encourages students to apply the knowledge and skills they have gained in the lesson to their own lives, and to consider how they can contribute to the conservation of biodiversity.

At the end of the conclusion, the teacher should thank the students for their active participation and encourage them to continue exploring the fascinating world of biology. (1 minute)