Sixth Mass Extinction
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Provided by: 1y4e|Published on: September 9, 2025
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- In this resource from 1y4e, students will learn about how human activities are causing a mass extinction event that is more rapid than its predecessors and much faster than the “normal” rate.
- Students will explore the definition of the sixth mass extinction and an interactive resource highlighting losses and solutions to this disaster.
Subjects: Biology, Geography
Authors: 1y4e
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The Questions section provides a quick and convenient way for students to check their understanding.
- Students will enjoy exploring the beautifully done interactive resource under the Action link.
Prerequisites
- The interactive resource for the Action link includes sounds that aren't necessary and may be disruptive if they are playing on multiple devices in a room.
- Students should be familiar with geological time scales and historical eras.
- The Definition link leads to a lengthy page with a lot of content-specific vocabulary that many students may not be familiar with. Teachers should consider their students' reading stamina and strength before assigning this reading.
Differentiation & Implementation
- If students will be exploring the Action link, teachers may want to guide students in their exploration by having groups of students focus on certain parts of the resource. For example, one can look at the plants missing while another explores the solutions.
- After exploring this resource, students can select a species on he verge of extinction and analyze the ecosystem services and other benefits it may provide.
- Teachers may want to briefly explain previous mass extinction events to help provide context for this topic.
- To connect this resource to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, teachers can have students read through the details for Goal 14, Life Below Water, and Goal 15, Life on Land. Students can then explain how these goals are related to the sixth mass extinction event.
This resource from One Year for Earth (1y4e) introduces students to the concept of the sixth mass extinction. The page includes a link to "What is Missing?", an interactive and immersive site that uses vibrant imagery, timelines, and multimedia to illustrate species decline. It also links to a Wikipedia article on the Holocene extinction, which offers broad background information but may be less reliable as a data source. This resource would make a great addition to classroom discussions on biodiversity loss and ecological history.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
One Year for Earth (1y4e)
One Year for Earth (1y4e) offers a variety of ideas, opportunities, and actionable steps to advocate for sustainable solutions and build resilient communities. Our mission is to help you implement smart, effective planning—starting today. The 1y4e Journey is a reliable way to stay on track with your sustainability efforts. By signing up, you’ll engage once a week over the course of a calendar year. Each week, you'll receive an email with a quiz question, a list of seasonal foods, and helpful tips on sustainable practices. As you participate, you’ll earn points that contribute to tree planting on your behalf in certified reforestation efforts and a Certificate of Completion.
Our website and program also guide you in creating a Sustainable Action Plan with goals to help you stay focused throughout the year—all at no cost to you, your organization, or your employer. Additionally, we provide excellent resources for organizations to support and community actions you can join or initiate! Visit our website or reach out to us directly for more information or to assist sharing the 1y4e program with your family, team, or community.
Our website and program also guide you in creating a Sustainable Action Plan with goals to help you stay focused throughout the year—all at no cost to you, your organization, or your employer. Additionally, we provide excellent resources for organizations to support and community actions you can join or initiate! Visit our website or reach out to us directly for more information or to assist sharing the 1y4e program with your family, team, or community.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
