birds
Profiles in extinction: ten extinct birds and the ecology lessons they offer
Jordan Ellis • 19 min read
Cosmic Ecology
Monday, May 11, 2026
curriculum
Designing a semester-long unit on the Holocene extinction
A full semester syllabus for teaching the Holocene extinction with readings, labs, assessments, projects, and conservation lessons.
By Dr. Elena Marquez • 2026-05-11
paleontology
From fossil discoveries to classroom labs: teaching paleontology with real specimens
Dr. Elena Mercer • 19 min read
Causes of extinction explained: classroom case studies and inquiry prompts
Explore extinction causes through classroom case studies, inquiry prompts, and conservation lessons from habitat loss, invasive species, climate change, and overuse.
Classroom projects: building an interactive extinction map
A practical classroom guide to building an interactive extinction map with reliable data, mapping tools, and conservation insights.
How to read and build an extinction timeline: a practical guide
Learn how to build an accurate extinction timeline using fossils, records, dating methods, and classroom-ready visualization tips.
Essential extinct species profiles for classroom use
Classroom-ready extinct species profiles with fossils, causes of extinction, and discussion prompts for all ages.
More Headlines
Maps that Change Policy: How High‑Precision Biodiversity Mapping Influences ESA Listings and Local Action
Marina Ellis
Human/Animal Atmospheres: Teaching Students to Notice How Human Medicines and Industry Shape Ecosystems
Jordan Ellis
Engineered Organisms for Conservation? A Classroom Debate Kit
Daniel Mercer
When Genetic Engineering Meets Extinction Risk: A Balanced Explainer for Classrooms
Dr. Elena Marquez
The Satirical Swamp: How Humor Offers Insight into Extinction Policies
Dr. Maya Thompson
The Legacy of the Passenger Pigeon: Lessons from Extinction for Today's Conservation Efforts
Dr. Rowan E. Hale
Algorithmic Awareness: AI’s Role in Understanding Extinction Events
Dr. Elena M. Rivera
Rethinking Museum Experiences: How Future Exhibits Can Honor Extinct Species
Dr. Maya L. Jensen
Watch Your Step: Technology's Role in Climate Change Monitoring
Dr. Maya R. Linden
Learning Through Laughter: Utilizing Satire for Environmental Education
Dr. Maria L. Ortega
Revisiting the Fossils: How Modern Media Changes Paleontological Discoveries
Dr. Eleanor K. Reyes
Fossil Records and Storytelling: How Paleontologists Bring Extinct Species to Life
Dr. Elena M. Hart
Digital Tools for Extinction Education: Creating Interactive Timelines for Lost Biodiversity
Dr. Rowan Ellis
When ‘Extinct’ Isn’t the End: What Rediscovered Frogs Teach Us About Data Gaps, Sampling, and Survival
Maya Ellison
Uncovering Extinct Ecosystems: What Ancient Species Teach Us About Modern Climate Challenges
Dr. Lena M. Ortega
From Satellite Shake Tests to Species Survival: Why Space-Grade Testing Matters for Earth Science
Maya Thornton
Beneath the Surface: New Media's Influence on Our Understanding of Fossils
Dr. Mira L. Kent
Creating Lesson Plans Around Fossil Discoveries: Activities for Middle and High School
Maya Ellison
Comparing Old and New: The Evolution of Habitat Conservation
Dr. Maya R. Ellis
Rewilding and De-Extinction: Practical Lessons from Past Extinctions for Restoration Projects
Dr. Elena Marlow
Dramatic Distinctions: Exploring the Human Element in Extinction Narratives
A. L. Mercer
Case Studies in Extinction: Five Species That Changed Scientific Thinking
Avery Collins
Holocene Extinction Explained: How Recent Biodiversity Loss Differs from Ancient Mass Extinctions
Dr. Elena Marrow
The Future of Interactive Education: Pinterest as a Tool for Conservation
Dr. Marion Hayes
Mapping Loss: How to Create an Interactive Extinction Map with Open Data
Ava Mercer
Top 25 Extinct Bird Species Everyone Should Know (and What They Teach Us)
Daniel Mercer
A New Era of Fossil Discovery: Community Importance in Paleontological Research
Dr. Eleanor Hart
Classroom Lab: Identifying Ivory and Species Using Open Biomolecular Tools
Avery Caldwell
Rediscoveries and Rescue: What Panama’s 'Extinct' Frogs Teach Us About Prioritizing Conservation
Avery Collins
Lessons in Resilience: Learning from the Past to Protect Our Future
Dr. Maya Ellison
A Roadmap for Restoring Butternut: Using Climate‑Soil‑Genetics Models in Local Restoration Projects
Dr. Elena Marrow
Mast Trees, Wildlife, and Heritage: Why Restoring Butternut Matters Beyond the Tree
Avery Lang
Sharing Extinction Stories: Building Community Engagement Through Documentary
Dr. Amina R. Silva
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest posts delivered right to your inbox.