Endangered Species Research Project Rubric

This research project supports the Science curriculum and also provides practice on researching a topic and creating an essay to present the findings.

Requirements:

1) Research Paper - Each student has researched their chosen endangered species extensively over the last 1.5 weeks. They must organize and present their information in a five paragraph essay. Besides the intro and conclusion paragraphs, the 3 body paragraphs should:

A) Describe the species' ecosystem and it's role in that ecosystem.
B) Describe the species' diet, appearance, and habits.
C) Why it is important to save this species and what would be the effects on the ecosystem if it became extinct.

The research paper final draft is worth 350 pts.

2) Poster/PowerPoint/Prezi - Each student will complete a poster or a digital presentation for their endangered species. The final product should include:

A) One or more pictures of your species.
B) Some quick/fun facts about your species.
C) An persuasive argument about why we should work to save this species from extinction.
D) Some ways that people can help this endangered species.
E) Any other information the student chooses to include.

The final product will be graded on visual appeal, effort, and the amount of content (HINT: More is better). The poster/digital presentation is worth 150 pts.

The total points available are 500, and this will be entered as a test grade.