8-10 yrs old
11-13 yrs old
14-18 yrs old
Animals
Climate & Environment
Science
Explore a rollercoaster around the most charismatic extinct species, investigate the causes and what we can do to stop the biodiversity crisis.
September 16, 2019
Minecraft World File
Download the world and open with Minecraft: Education Edition. You'll find this resource in your Templates, under Create New.
Wild Classroom - Biodiversity Toolkit
The activities in the biodiversity toolkit provide students with an understanding of the importance of nature and how all living things are connected.
Prof. Andy’s Extinction! Safari Challenge Video
Lesson introduction by Professor Andy Purvis.
Teacher Guide
This guide will assist you with information on all of the extinct species featured in the lesson.
This project was developed in partnership with World Wildlife Fund. Explore an exciting new Minecraft world created by Naturebytes as well as three new lessons designed to help you teach about biodiversity and its importance to our planet's past and future.
Introductory questions:
Introduction (as a class) (1 min)
Introduce students to the lesson with the following: ‘Welcome to the Extinction! Safari - a rollercoaster through extinction history. You are now about to witness some of the most charismatic species that have lived alongside humans but are no longer roaming the Earth. It was recently revealed that the Earth is experiencing a ‘biodiversity crisis’ - speak to biodiversity expert Prof. Andy to find out your challenge and start your adventure.’
Minecraft Extinction Safari (explore as individuals or as a class) (35 mins)
Ask students to meet Prof. Andy, add a minecart to their inventory and jump on to the minecart on the track. They can take their own individual journey on their own time or you can lead them and discuss each species at the individual platforms.
Note: if students fall off the rollercoaster they can climb up platform ladders.
Ask students to study each of the extinct species, exploring the displays and speaking to the scientists at each species. Students should take notes on what they learn and observe at each of the species. Students can use the in-game minecraft ‘camera,’ ‘portfolio,’ and ‘book & quill’ to record the information, making sure to include the following aspects of each species:
The ‘Extinction! Rollercoaster Safari Teacher Guide’ (found in Supporting Files) will assist you with information on all of the extinct species featured.
In-class exercise and discussion (15 mins)
Once students have reached the end of the rollercoaster, ask them to review their notes and discuss:
Ask the students to think about who is responsible for the extinction and who and how should do something about it? How can you reduce your impact on the biodiversity crisis? (e.g., be greener, more sustainable).
This lesson will enable students to:
® ‘WWF’ and ‘World Wildlife Fund’ are WWF Registered Trademarks. © 1986 Panda Symbol WWF.