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?
SUMMARY
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.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
KEY TERMS
poaching — illegal killing or trafficking of wildlife
black market — unlawful economic exchange of goods that takes place outside of official channels
WARM-UP 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 would have been addressed? Explain.
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
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.
Credit: Screenshot via PBS News Hour Classroom
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.
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