Mini-Lesson

Objective: Students will consider different points of view.

1. Tell students that the gray wolf is being removed from the endangered species list. Explain that the decision to take the gray wolf off the list is controversial; people disagree about whether or not it is the right thing to do.

2. Pass out copies of the timeforkids.com news story, Gray Wolves Make a Comeback. Split the class into two groups. As students read, have one group look for reasons why the gray wolf should be removed from the endangered species list, and have the other group look for reasons why the gray wolf should remain on the list.

3. Have volunteers share their findings. Encourage students to consider both points of view before taking a stance. Then, challenge them to write a persuasive letter to the Department of the Interior, arguing their viewpoint on the matter. Use the Persuasive-Letter Organizer.