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Elif Altuntas

Should Zoos and Aquatic Parks be Permitted or Banned?

Grade Level:
9
Subject:
Sustainable Ecosystems and Human Activity
Topic:
Big Question: The impact of humans on ecosystems of animals captivated in zoos and aquatic parks. Should this be permitted or banned?
Objective:
Students will be given an article to read in class where they will be required to examine the contents of the article. The article will discuss whether or not zoos should be banned and students will be placed into two separate groups where
one group will defend the permission of zoos and the other will argue against zoos. Part of this argument will have to include the word "limiting factors" where students will need to discuss how limited factors such as nutrients and space affect the carrying capacity of an ecosystem. Both groups will need to use these terms to defend or oppose the idea of zoos.

Rationale: Personally, as a child I loved to go to zoos with my family. These were probably one of my best memorable moments as a child. As a child we don't see the other side of the mountain, we aren't naturally inclined to thinking about how animals at the zoo are treated, the only thing most children think about is petting or watching animals live. As much as it's important not to ruin childhood memories, it is also important for students to be aware of the ethical consequences of captivating animals in a habitat that isn't of nature to them. These include ethical concepts such as limiting factors and ability to reproduce efficiently and increase their population size as though they would in their natural habitat.
Prep:
None entered.
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