An Exciting Musical Science Assembly
for Students K-6
Why
do species become extinct?
What
are the major factors contributing to the extinction process?
Why
are so many species presently at risk?
How
will the disappearance of other life forms affect humans?
Can
and should people do anything about it?
These are important scientific as well as social issues for our times
and school children should be aware of them. This forty-minute musical
play presents scientific concepts such as the definition of a species,
competition, extinction, and what constitutes a habitat.
It is pointed out that extinction is a natural process that has been
going on since life first began on Earth, but that humans have
accelerated the process for many species by over-hunting, habitat
destruction, and pollution.
The Case of the Vanishing Species is a musical Who-done-it
type of mystery.
Detective Kerflouie from Alpha Centauri is sent to Earth to discover
why species are disappearing. He meets a stegosaurus, a tiger, an old
west buffalo hunter, a spotted owl, and a host of other interesting
characters who each give a little insight into the phenomenon of
extinction and the present day situation.
The material is presented in a lighthearted way which points out the
absurdity of some of our current practices, such as the poisoning of
the environment, which not only endanger wild creatures, but are not
good for humans either.
The Case of the Vanishing Species is very entertaining. Students and
faculty alike will thoroughly enjoy this assembly. The dialogue, sound
effects and voice-overs are humorous, the costumes are exciting, and
the songs are truly exceptional.
Five original songs are performed during this show, each displaying a
different musical style and each presenting information in an easy to
remember form.
Featured Songs
Species Song : a calypso number sung by Professor Phudd explaining
exactly what constitutes a species.
LISTEN
The Extinction Blues: a blues sung by a stegosaurus about
competition and the natural extinction process.
LISTEN
The Habitat Song: a vaudeville, show tune dance extravaganza
performed by a spotted owl describing what makes up a habitat and
why habitats are important.
The Pollution Tango: a tango sung and danced by a frog which
demonstrates the interrelationship of many species and how pollution
affects them all.
We
Must Save Our Endangered Species is the rousing funk-rock finale
performed by the entire cast with the audience joining in.
Concepts of Vanishing Species
All species on Earth evolved from the same original cell.
There are many varieties of animals and plants.
Species are groups of animals or plants that can only breed with
others of the group. This phenomenon is called reproductive
isolation.
Similar looking species share many genes in common, but also have
genes which differ in each species.
Extinction is the dying off of all members of a species.
Extinction happens to all species eventually.
Some factors that can lead to the extinction of a species are:
Competition with other species for limited resources. Not being able
to protect oneself from predators sufficiently. Failure to adapt
sufficiently to changing climactic and other environmental factors.
In
recent times, people have greatly accelerated the extinction
process. Example: over-hunting of bison.
As
the human population expands many species get crowded out.
Large species which need a lot of territory, especially large
mammalian predators are vulnerable to extinction.
Humans have often sought to eliminate species which compete with
humans for the same resources or which humans consider dangerous.
The habitat of a species is where it lives. This includes all of the
physical, environmental, and ecological factors including all of the
other species with which it coexists. Many species are adapted to
specific habitats.
Destruction of habitats by people is a major cause of modern
extinctions.
People often destroy habitats for short term economic gain.
The rain forests contain half of the worlds species even though they
comprise only seven percent of the Earth's surface.
Rain forests are being destroyed at an alarming rate.
People who are destroying habitats are not necessarily evil. Many
are merely seeking ways to feed their families.
Pollution threatens species as well.
Pollution can spread throughout the environment and affect many
species. Example: Toxins become more concentrated in species higher
up in the food chain. So, even low levels of pollution can be
dangerous.
The World's frog population is declining all over the world. This
may be due to air and water pollution as well as ozone depletion
from CFC's and the consequent increase in UV light.
Factors which threaten and cause the extinction of other species
also affect human survival as well.
The number of the other species on this planet is an indication how
suitable conditions on the planet are for life; including human
life.
Preserving other species is the surest way of ensuring that people
will continue to survive.
Therefore, people should Live in harmony with the other inhabitants
of their planet, limit the human population, and stop polluting.
Individuals can make a difference. Specific things students can do
are: Be aware that there is a problem and make sure that others know
about it as well. Don't buy products made from endangered species or
support companies that pollute and destroy habitats. Read what
scientists and other people have to say about the environment.
Discuss the situation with your classmates, your teachers and your
parents so you can find out what you can do to help save endangered
species in your neighborhood. Use common sense when dealing with the
environment.
