Note: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
The black market trade in rhino horns is driving the species to near extinction. Now, scientists at a rhino orphanage in the Bushveld of South Africa are trying to protect them from poaching in a rather surprising way.
View the transcript of the story.
Key Terms
poaching — illegal killing or trafficking of wildlife
black market — unlawful economic exchange of goods that takes place outside of official channels
Discussion Questions
- Who are some of the individuals featured in this story?
- What is the Rhizotope Project?
- Where is the rhino orphanage located?
- How might the radioactive rhino horn deter (discourage) poachers?
- Why can't the rhino horn be taken through airport security or customs?
Focus Questions
- Do you think the rhino horns will be a successful deterrent (something that discourages a person from doing something) against poachers? Why or why not?
- What do you think causes a person to become a poacher? How could government leaders cut down on poachers in addition to approaches like the radioactive rhino horns?
- Media literacy: News producers usually only have a certain amount of time for a story. Is there one question or point you wish had been addressed? Explain.
Learn how scientific breakthroughs are raising hopes for saving the northern white rhino and perhaps even bring other animals back from extinction by watching this story below. If time allows, you may wish to answer the discussion questions.
With a friend, family member or neighbor, discuss if you think genetic engineering (the modification and manipulation of an organism's genes using technology) is a better approach to take than the one featured in the story above. Think about unintended consequence, costs and benefits from both scientific approaches. Do you agree with one more than the other? Explain.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Want to see more stories like this one? Subscribe to the SML e-newsletter!
Republished with permission from PBS News Hour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
Advertisement
