Unit Guide

The Takhi: How Humans Have Both Helped and Harmed a Endangered Species

Nicole DiRocco

This first grade science unit will focus on organisms. It will begin by introducing first graders to the definition of an organism by digging deeper into what it means to be a living thing. Students will then begin to study how living things interact with each other and non-living things in their environment. Students will use non-fiction texts, videos, student work pages and class projects to explore animal habitats and ecosystems. Students will study endangered species and use facts to persuade individuals to help save endangered species. To enhance their understanding of endangered species, students will later focus on a specific endangered species that scientists are currently working to save, Przewalksi’s horse or takhi. Through their research and exploration of takhi, students will engage in conversations and writing pieces about how humans can both harm and help other organisms, specifically takhi.