The purpose of this activity is to explore resilience in both humans and nature. You will begin exploring nature’s resilience by learning about the loss of biodiversity and extinction. You will also discover how the Endangered Species Act is helping preserve endangered and threatened species, and you will research an endangered species of your choice. Then, you will reflect on human resilience, both your own and others’.

Currently, there are approximately 1.7 million named species on planet earth, and scientists believe that there are between 10 and 100 million species that have not yet been identified. Human actions have affected nature’s ability to be resilient because we change the environment at a pace that does not allow some species to adjust and regenerate. According to Dr. Edward O. Wilson, a leading expert in biodiversity, “species are now disappearing at the fastest rate in the last 65 million years.” It is estimated that 27,000 species go extinct each year; that is approximately 74 species per day, or 3 species every hour!

1. Define the word resilient.
2. Listen to Dr. Wilson discuss biodiversity on the planet.
3. Learn about the Sixth Extinction and explore causes of extinctions.
4. Learn about the Endangered Species Act and begin your research on an endangered species.
5. Read an excerpt titled, "Sifting through the Embers," from the book, Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams.

1. See some of the ways Dr. Jane gets through hard times. View Dr. Jane’s Scrapbook to learn about resilience in her life.
2. Complete journal entry.