Introduction

 For various reasons, many Australian animal species have become extinct since European settlement began in 1788. Many more are currently on the endangered list and some could well be extinct already. The Federal government has allocated funds to the National Cloning Board to enable it to produce clones of species most endangered or endangered species popularly considered most worthy of saving

The Task

 The National Cloning Board has asked for submissions from the public for requests to clone a limited number of species so that they may be saved from extinction and released into the wild to replenish natural stocks. Your group's task is to prepare a submission to the Cloning Board on one of the native species listed below, arguing that your choice should be selected for cloning.

You will need to collate your individual research and to prepare a 5 minute verbal presentation supported by PowerPoint. Remember, it needs to be presented in such a way that the Cloning Board will be persuaded to choose you animal for cloning and survival,

The Process

You will be working in groups of 3.

1. Each member of the group is expected to research the animal selected, giving a brief scientific description including:

2. You will then select a specialist role from those listed below to prepare extra information for the Board:

i. Environmentalist: whose role is to present detailed information on the animal's place in the food chain. How many of the animals will be cloned and released? How will this number of animals affect the flora and fauna in the area in which they are released? What problems could occur when a (large) number of these animals is released into the environment? Will they all need to be released into the same area?

ii. Economist: who needs to inform the Board on how the local economy of the region into which the animal will be released will be affected . What industries will be affected and in what way? Will the affect be long-term or short term? How will the local economy need to adjust? What other threats and opportunities will the local economy face as a result of these animals being released?

iii. Zoologist: who will have to outline the immediate and long-term chances of the animals' survival. Will the cloned animals face the same threat to their survival or will the environment need to be manipulated or controlled to protect the species in the future? Will the animal face new threats to its survival in the future?

You will need to collate your individual research and prepare a 5 minute verbal presentation supported by PowerPoint. Remember, it needs to be presented in such a way that the Cloning Board will be persuaded to choose your animal for cloning and survival.

Australian Animal List

Resources 

Endangered Animals
http://www.yprl.vic.gov.au/homework/endangered.html

Perth Zoo
http://www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au/

Queensland Museum
http://www.qmuseum.qld.gov.au/features/endangered/animals/nth_wombat.asp

Wires Australian Animals
http://www.wires.au.com/animals/animals.htm

Kidcyber
http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/Austanimals.htm

Parrot Society
http://www.parrotsociety.org.au/

Assessment

This is the Rubric that your teacher will use to assess your presentation to the National Cloning Board.

Conclusion