Elephants are one of the most important land mammals on our planet becasue they are a keystone species! They are also one of the most emotional, intelligent, and social animals. However, they are facing a critical population loss from poaching, human-animal conflict, habitat loss, and abuse in tourism.
Elephant Conservation Education Hub
Elephant Conservation Toolkits: Aligning with NGSS & Canadian Curriculum
Our curriculum packages are designed to give students the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and capacity for civic action required by both Canadian Provincial Curricula and the U.S. Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
These flexible, ready-to-use Elephant Conservation Toolkits move beyond basic facts to cover high-level science and global issues:
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Climate – Conservation – Rewilding: Students learn how elephants function as keystone species that actively mitigate climate change and boost biodiversity—a central theme in modern conservation policy.
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Global Issues: In-depth lessons on the complex challenges facing both African and Asian elephants.
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Civic Action: Interactive activities that empower students to become informed citizens and advocates.
Download your free Toolkits below. As well as lesson plans, we have included videos, books, up-to-date newspaper articles, and other great educational resources.
A SPECIAL LETTER TO PRINCIPALS AND EDUCATORS
How do we empower students to become compassionate and tolerant citizens of a global community?
Join our Elephanatics’ Teacher Community! Take a moment to share your experiences and insights using our resources. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping future materials. Participate in our survey and get a chance to win exclusive Elephanatics swag in our monthly draw! Click here to access our user-friendly feedback form and make your valuable contribution.
Lesson Plans
Elementary Lessons
Lessons and activities for a younger audience of 8 – 11 years
Intermediate Lessons
Lessons and activities for an intermediate audience of 11 – 14 years
Bring a Wildlife Ranger or Researcher into Your Classroom!
In collaboration with Mara Elephant Project in Kenya we are offering a unique opportunity for educators to invite, via zoom, a Ranger or Researcher into your classroom.
Book your session now at: https://t.co/okvvmjVagv
Request a teacher to do a virtual presentation in your classroom! Pick a special day like #WorldElephantDay #WorldWildlifeDay or #EarthDay to make it even more impactful! Or, pick any day that suits you!
Introductory Videos
We have provided a few short introductory videos that are optional to use in conjunction with the lesson plans below. Please note that some scenes of elephant abuse may upset some viewers.
A Brief History of the Ivory Trade
Gives students a short, basic background on poaching and the ivory trade (8 mins)
One Every Fifteen Minutes – The Plight of the African Elephant
Why African elephants plummeted from 1.3 million in 1979 to 400,000 today (10 mins)
Black Tusk – The Ugly Truth of Elephant Riding
Unethical treatment of elephants in Thailand for the tourism industry (15 mins)
We invite you to share a unique opportunity with your students: a chance to become champions for elephants! We’re on the lookout for young, passionate advocates eager to spread awareness about the threats elephants face, such as poaching and unethical practices in tourism. If your students are creative, keen on devising innovative ways to educate others, and hold a deep belief in the intrinsic value and emotional depth of elephants, encourage them to join us as ambassadors. Together, we can embark on an exciting journey to make a meaningful impact in the world of elephant conservation. Click here to learn more.
We can also present our program of free lesson plans at Professional Development days. Just contact us!
What You Can Do To Help Elephants
Read Elephanatics mention in The Guardian’s detailed article on how anyone can help save elephants from extinction
Elephants in Captivity
Recognize the brutality of animal circuses and zoos and learn to be a responsible tourist.
Sponsoring and Fostering Organizations
Elephanatics supports these organizations ethics and practices
Ivory Trade Restrictions – Dates of Events
A timeline of information about the ivory trade and elephant populations from 1979 to date, to be used as a resource for homework or general information
Other Information
- Mara Elephant Project
- David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
- International Fund for Animal Welfare
- US Fish and Wildlife
- Traffic- The Wildlife Trade Monitoring System
- Elephant Voices
- African Wildlife Foundation
- WildlifeDirect
- Loisaba Conservancy
- Thailand Elephants
- Elephant Nature Park
- Save The Elephants