Show several pictures of snow leopards. A picture truly is worth a thousand words, so show a variety of pictures featuring snow leopards of each gender, in varying environments and in different stages of growth. You can find pictures by at your local library or on the Internet. If you print pictures, be sure they are in color.
Discuss the facts about snow leopards. Where do they live? What do they eat? What is unique about them? What makes them different from other leopards? Convey as much information as you can in a lively, conversational tone.
Explain that an "endangered species" is an animal that is dying off faster than it is reproducing. There are less than 6,000 snow leopards left in the wild, placing them on the endangered species list. They are being hunted and killed for their coats.
Read a story about a snow leopard. You can acquire one from your local library or visit www.snowleopardblog.com and download a free copy of "Snow Leopard, the Yeti and the Girl Who Climbed Mount Everest."
Complete an activity on the snow leopard. This can be a coloring page, a craft or a game such as "The Web of Life Pyramid," a game designed to help children visualize the Himalayan web of life and how each element influences the others. Materials and information on how to play this game can be found online at snowleopardconservancy.org, along with a list of other games.
Schedule a time to see a snow leopard. There are many zoos that have snow leopard exhibits. Visit the website, snowleopard.org, to see if there is one near you. If so, schedule a field trip to allow the students to see the snow leopard in real life.
Organize a fundraiser. Get your students involved in helping to save the snow leopards by hosting a bake sale or car wash fundraiser. Money can then be donated to the Snow Leopard Trust or another participating organization. You can find organizations by doing an Internet search, but be cautious as not all organizations are legitimate.