Conservation Commercial
Groups will create a persuasive conservation message about
endangered animals using Ethos, Pathos, and/or Logos.
Description: Your group will script and film a conservation message to help save an animal of your choice.
Location at Zoo: Exhibit of your choice.
Materials: Pencil, extra paper, video recording device (smart phone, iPod, camcorder, etc).
Activity: Your team has been hired by the Zoo to create a short video that will help spread the word about
conserving and protecting endangered animals. The message should include various rhetorical devices and
techniques to persuade the audience that the animal is worth saving.
1. Decide which endangered animal you would like to feature: ______________________________________
2. Visit that exhibit and research information that can be used in your message. Write your notes on a
separate sheet of paper. If possible, use an internet-ready device (smart phone) to scan any QR codes
posted at the exhibit for more information.
3. To brainstorm the outline of your message, make a few notes on the following:
a. What is the status of the animal (how endangered is it)? _____________________________________
b. What are the major threats to the animal? ________________________________________________
c. What is most appealing about the animal to others? ________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
d. Why would people want to help it? ______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
e. What can people do to help it? ________________________________
________________________________________________________
f. How can you make your message interesting? _________________
_____________________________________________________
4. Draft the script on a separate sheet of paper. Include at least one
rhetorical device (ethos, pathos, or logos).
Conservation Commercial
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Self-Guided Activity
5. Time to film! Film as many “takes” until your group feels good about it.
6. Ask several different people (outside of your group) to watch the video. Make notes on their feedback:
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
7. Did the rhetorical device seem effective? Why or why not?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
8. As a group, discuss what you think it will take to protect this animal. Write your thoughts below.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Academic Standards – LANG OH: 9-12(SL.4,5) (WHST.1,6,7,8,9,10) KY: Sp+List,9-10,3; Sp+List,9-10,4; Sp+List,11-12,3; Sp+List,11-12,4. IN: SPC.1.4, SPC.1.16
Conservation Commercial
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Self-Guided Activity