Lesson Plan
NPS Photo - Beth Wright
- Grade Level:
- Fourth Grade-Sixth Grade
- Subject:
- Climate, Earth Science, Geography, Meteorology
- Duration:
- 30-45 minutes
- Group Size:
- Up to 60
- Setting:
- classroom
- National/State Standards:
- Science
5.P.1.1
5.P.2.1
5.P.2.3
EX.5.P.2.3
5.E.1.1
5.E. 1.2
5.E. 1.3
EX.5.L.1.2
5.L.2.1
5.L.2.2
EX.5.L.2.2
5.L2.3
EX.5.L.2.3 - Keywords:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, fifth grade, climate, weather, exotic speices
Overview
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an excellent backdrop for students as they explore the natural world. This unit is broken into three parts. The overall unit involves a trip to the park and is accompanied by three preparation activities and three wrap-up activities. This is part 2 of the wrap-up activities of the unit.Objective(s)
1) Describe what an exotic species is and why exotics are a threat to native species.
2) Be able to list two exotic species that are causing problems in the United States.
3) Be able to list two exotic species in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Background
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an excellent backdrop for students as they explore the natural world. The program is designed to introduce students to the interdependence between the climate and the biodiversity at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Additionally, students will gain knowledge of how human activities can adversely affect the biodiversity within the park.
Teachers coming on the accompanying field trip should download our complete field trip packet that includes all of the lessons: On Top of Old Smoky pre-site lessons, information and directions about the field trip and On Top of Old Smoky Wrap-up post site lessons.
Download the full On Top of Old Smoky Field Trip packet (includes Preparation and Wrap-up lessons).
Materials
This lesson includes instructions for the Exotic Invasion Game and a Pre and Post Site Test.
-
Exotic Invasion Game
Students synthesize information to determine what exotic species is being described. Download
-
On Top of Old Smoky - Pre and Post Site Test
Pre site test to be used before the field trip and a post site test to use after the field trip. Download
Procedure
Step 1: Discuss differences between native and exotic (non-native) species.
Step 2: Summarize what students learned at Clingmans Dome.
Step 3: Have students play the Exotic Invasion Game and lead classroom discussion.
Assessment
Administer a pre and post site test that is included in the unit.
Extensions
Have students select an exotic species that has affected your area of the county and do an oral report on it.
Last updated: April 14, 2015