Remembering Primatologist and Conservationist Jane Goodall
Jane Goodall spent more than half a century studying chimpanzees and advocating for animal rights and environmental protection. Use this lesson to teach her legacy.
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
One of the world’s most beloved and influential primatologists and conservationists has died. Jane Goodall spent more than half a century studying chimpanzees and advocating for animal rights and environmental protection. As Jeffrey Brown reports, Goodall helped change the way we look at animals and their behavior.
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
primatologist — a researcher who studies the order of mammals that includes apes, monkeys and humans
conservationist — a person dedicated to preserving natural environments and endangered species
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- What was the focus of Jane Goodall's activism?
- Why did Goodall focus on researching chimpanzees?
- Where did Goodall conduct her research?
- How did Goodall change our understanding of chimpanzees?
- Who told Goodall that she shouldn't think of chimpanzees as having emotions or personalities?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
- After watching this segment, what do you think is the most important aspect of Jane Goodall's legacy?
- In this segment, Goodall says, "The main message that I have is that every single one of us, every single day, we make some impact on the planet. And we have a choice as to what impact we make. What we buy, what we wear, where did it come from?" Do you agree with this? Do you think what you use and consume can have an impact on the planet? If so, what are some things you could do to make choices as a consumer that have a lower impact on the planet?
Media literacy: The segment ends with the following information graphic. Why do you think this detail was included? Why is the number of viewers for that special significant?
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WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Watch this an interview with Jane Goodall conducted during 2020, at the start of the COVID pandemic. Then discuss —
- How does Goodall think our relationship with wild animals and the environment is important for human health and well-being?
- After watching this segment, what is one thing you think we should do as a society to have a healthier relationship with natural ecosystems?
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
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