Learn With Photo Ark

Joel Sartore, a National Geographic photographer and conservationist, wants everyone to think about the serious consequences of species extinction. Joel is taking portraits of animals in zoos and animal rescue centers around the world, creating a one-of-a-kind photo collection of wildlife. The National Geographic Photo Ark is a time capsule for future generations and a platform for bringing attention to the vast, and growing, number of endangered animals in the world today.

Use the resources on this page to teach about the amazing animals in the Photo Ark, highlight the importance of storytelling in conservation, and empower students to spread the word about species extinction. In the words of Joel, “Let’s save together!"

Explore all the species in the National Geographic Photo Ark at joelsartore.com/photo-ark.

Classroom Activities

Use these activities to highlight the importance of conservation and storytelling.

Threatened Animals and Their Habitats

Threatened Animals and Their Habitats  

Highlight the relationship between habitat and animal conservation in this activity for grades 3-5.

Joel Sartore Storytelling2

The Power of Images in Storytelling  

Empower students to develop their own storytelling styles, and emphasize the role of writing and photography in conservation. Meant for grades 6-8.

Picture of Madagascan painted frog (1100972)

Save the Frogs  

Introduce students to the factors and consequences of widespread amphibian decline with this activity from Explorer magazine for grades 3-5.

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Photo Ark and Google Earth

Go behind the scenes and learn more about the amazing species in the Photo Ark with this interactive Google Earth Voyager Story.

 GOOGLE EARTH

Resources

Teach your students about animal adaptations, inspire them to think critically about species extinction, and encourage them to develop their own opinions about conservation.

A group of American flamingos, Phoenicopterus ruber, at Lincoln Children's Zoo.

American Flamingo  

Southern Three-Banded Armadillo

Southern Three-Banded Armadillo  

A Texas indigo snake, Drymarchon melanurus erebennus, that is shedding, at the Fort Worth Zoo.

Texas Indigo Snake  

A critically endangered kakapo, Strigops habroptilus, at Zealandia.

Island Oddballs  

A marbled newt, Triturus marmoratus, at Conservation Fisheries.

Amphibians at Risk  

From Explorer Magazine

Picture of Explorer magazine handouts

Introduce students to Joel Sartore and some of the amazing animals in the Photo Ark with these handouts.

Bring the world into your classroom with Explorer magazine.

Learn More

Photo Ark
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All photographs by Joel Sartore