Lesson Plan - Should We Bring Back Extinct Animals?

Watch the Video
Watch the video “Animals of the Ice Age.” Discuss: Which Ice Age animals described in the video do you find most interesting? Why do you think some scientists are working to bring back Ice Age creatures and other extinct species? 

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• cells
• conservation

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about what extinct animals, if any, they would bring back.

1. Based on the article, how did scientists create Remus and Romulus?
To create Remus and Romulus, scientists changed the DNA of modern-day gray wolves. DNA is the material in cells that determines how living things look and function. Scientists changed the gray wolf DNA so that the pups would have large skulls and white fur, like dire wolves.
^{RI.4.2 Main Idea and Key Details}

2. According to the “yes” side of the debate, how could de-extinction help today’s endangered species?
According to the “yes” side of the debate, de-extinction could help today’s endangered species by making them stronger. The article explains, “It might be used to change the DNA of animals to make them stronger and better able to fight diseases.”
^{RI.4.1 Text Evidence}

3. Why do some people argue that de-extinction is a “cruel experiment”?
Some people argue that de-extinction is a “cruel experiment” because it is unfair to the animals that are created. The article states, “The animals involved may face a lot of testing and suffer from health problems.”
^{RI.4.5 Cause and Effect}

Featured Skill: Paired Texts
Distribute the skill builder “Species of the Past” and have students read a paired text about other extinct animals scientists hope to bring back.
^{RI.4.9 Paired Texts}

Bonus Skill: Analyzing Arguments
Use the bonus online skill builder “Seeing Both Sides” to help students analyze the arguments in this debate—and develop their own opinions.
^{RI.4.8 Reasons and Evidence}