To accomplish the task you will need to follow the process listed below. Before any work is to begin the class will be randomly divided into groups of three. One member from each group will secretly select an animal out of a hat, this is to make it fair for everyone. There will be 7 endangered species from Louisiana included in the hat: American Alligator, Louisiana Black Bear, Bald Eagle, Brown Pelican, Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Gulf Sturgeon, Red-Cockaded Woodpecker.  This is where the fun and learning begins!

To Create a Letter to the Governor:

1. Open a document in Microsoft Word.

2. At the top of your document you will need to have your group member names, Endangered Specie's name, and the date.  You will do this by clicking on VIEW, then click HEADER AND FOOTER. Now you can type your names and so forth.

3. Using the websites below you will need to include the following information in your document to persuade the Governor to help your Endangered Species:

• Common Name
• Scientific Name (bi-nomial nomenclature)
• Picture or Diagram
• What are its special characteristics (size, special features)?
• What geographic area does it live in? (some may only be found in Louisiana)
• In what type of biome or climate is its habitat located?
• What food does it eat? Does it have any special eating habits?
• Does it need a lot of territory or land? Why or why not?
• Does it live in a pack, herd, or alone?
• Why is this species endangered?
• What can people do to help it avoid extinction?
• What is your opinion of this animal and its condition? Be able to base your answer according to your research.

4. Websites:

1. http://www.endangeredspecie.com/
2. http://ecos.fws.gov/tess_public/StateListing.do?status=listed&state=LA
3. http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/
4. http://www.fws.gov/southeastlouisiana/species.htm
5. http://www.bhs.ppsb.org/index.pl/edsp

5. Once you have compiled all of your information, written your persuasive letter (don't forget to proofread), and created a separate bibliography, you can PRINT.

Now you are ready for the HANDS-ON FUN! Staying in your groups, you will create mock habitat for your species to live in at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans.

1. Choose a box or container from the selection at the front of the classroom.  Make sure it is the right size for your animal. For instance, if your animal is the Black Bear you will not want to choose a Macaroni and Cheese box, but a shoe box instead.

2. As a group make a list of all of the items needed for your species to live comfortably while at the zoo. This will be easy for you because you have already researched your animal while visiting the web.

3. Choose one student to gather the materials from the teacher. 

4. HAVE FUN CREATING!!

5. Present your "habitat" to the rest of the class, explaining your reasoning for materials and any other decisions made in the process.