October 2026
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Primary objective: Learn the animal’s biology, habitat needs, conservation status, and major threats.
Week 1: Biology
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Research the following:
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Classification and amphibian characteristics
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Physical adaptations
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Diet and behavior
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Reproduction and life cycle
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Dependence on cool, clean, oxygen-rich streams
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Draw and label the animal’s body and create an illustrated life-cycle page.
Week 2: Habitat
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Research the following:
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Mountain-stream ecosystems
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Rocks, crevices, and underwater shelters
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Water temperature and clarity
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Stream flow and dissolved oxygen
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Connections among forests, watersheds, and aquatic life
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Create a food-web diagram showing the salamander’s relationship with fish, aquatic insects, and other stream organisms.
Week 3: Threats
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Create evidence cards for:
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Each card includes claim, supporting evidence, source, and remaining questions.
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Historical overharvesting
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Illegal wildlife exploitation
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Stream alteration and dam construction
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Water pollution
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Habitat fragmentation
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Disease
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Unscientific releases and genetic mixing
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Week 4: Conservation Complexity
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Learn that Chinese giant salamanders represent multiple genetic lineages or species.
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Animals can look almost identical while carrying very different genetic histories. Protecting them requires scientists to understand which population belongs in which habitat.
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Expert outreach preparation:
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University amphibian researcher
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Conservation biologist
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Nature-reserve educator
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Museum zoologist
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Accredited zoo conservation specialist
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Freshwater ecologist
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Environmental NGO representative
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Write a short email requesting a 20-minute online interview. I should introduce myself as a Grade 4 student and ask for guidance.
October Deliverables
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Illustrated species profile
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Habitat and food-web diagrams
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Threat evidence cards
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One-page explanation of genetic diversity
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Annotated list of at least six reliable sources
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Draft expert-interview request