Last updated: December 27, 2017
Lesson Plan
Invasive Species Go-Around
- Grade Level:
- Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
- Subject:
- Science
- Lesson Duration:
- 90 Minutes
- Common Core Standards:
- 6-8.RST.1, 6-8.RST.7, 8.SL.1, 8.SL.4
- Additional Standards:
- MS-LS2-1
MS-LS2-2
MS-LS2-4
Objective
There are many different and varied invasive species, but for this lesson the key points are that the species is (1) not native and (2) causes harm to either the economy or the environment. This activity will allow students to focus on one invasive species and present the information that they find about their species to classmates in a classroom go-around at the end of their research.
Background
Students begin this activity by watching a PowerPoint on “Ten Important Invasive Species” that are problems at different locations in the United States. There are many different and varied invasive species, but for this lesson the key points are that the species is (1) not native and (2) causes harm to either the economy or the environment. This activity will allow students to focus on one invasive species and present the information that they find about their species to classmates in a classroom go-around at the end of their research. The go-around gives students a chance to present their information in a more informal non-threatening way than a presentation in front of the whole classroom.
There are many threats to biodiversity in the world including habitat loss, pollution, increase in human population, and overharvesting of species, but the impact of invasive species on native plants and animals can be one of the most profound. When non-native species are introduced into an area they often multiple rapidly due to no native predators or other limiting factors. Native species are often unable to compete with the introduced species for the same resources due to the fact that invasive plants often alter the ecological conditions (such as fire regimes and hydrology) making it unfavorable for the native species.
Invasive species enter different ecosystems through a variety of ways some intentionally and some unintentionally. The pet and aquarium trade is a huge culprit responsible for invasive animals. After purchasing exotic pets, they often escape or people may set them free when no longer wanted. Many species are introduced to solve a problem but they themselves then become a problem. For example, kudzu was introduced as a plant to prevent erosion and as a food source for livestock. The problem is that kudzu grows too well and has thrived in the warm climate of the southern states covering acres of land and everything in its path.
Invasive species are a concern for all landowners and government agencies trying to maintain the diversity of species in a given area. For more information on invasive species, read “Frequently Asked Question About Invasive Species” by logging onto this website supported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. To make the activity more relevant to your students, check with local government agencies about invasive species in your area.
Preparation
30-60 minutes to review activity, collect materials, and run off paper copies
Materials
Power Point 1: To use in preview or lesson hook.
Download Invasive Species 1: Invasive Species Go-Around
Attachment 1
Download Invasive Species 1: 100 of the World's Worst Invasive Alien Specie s
Attachment 2
Download Invasive Species 1: Display Board or Research Poster
Attachment 3
Download Invasive Species 1: Go-Around Presentation Information
Lesson Hook/Preview
(10-15 minutes)
Use the PowerPoint 1, “Invasive Species 1: Invasive Species Go-Around” to engage student’s background knowledge and learn about some different invasive species and their effects on different environments.
Procedure
(Multiple days)
1. Students will draw from a container the name of an invasive species to research for the go-around. In Attachment 1, “Invasive Species 1: Invasive Species Go-Around, you will find a list of “100 of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species”. Another option is to let students self select an invasive plant or animal that they would like to research. The instructor could also focus on one particular state, country, or continent. A google search of “list of invasive species for ___(name of country or state)____ will produce many results. Another resource for your area would be to contact local agencies for a list of invasive species in your area. The benefit of having a list of invasive species in your area would be to further educate students about local problems. After drawing their species name from the container, you may choose to let them trade with another student.
2. In Attachment 2, “Invasive Species 1: Invasive Species Go-Around”, you will find guidelines for a display board or research poster with necessary requirements for their presentation. There are many options for presentation: a three-fold poster (traditionally used for science fair projects), a research poster (commonly used by undergraduates at the college level), or presentation on individual computers (Prezi, PowerPoint, or other application). The idea of a go-around is that students “go-around” to different projects and gather information from other students rather than a formal classroom presentation.
3. Students will need research time on their species. Time for project is dependent upon how much class time you want to give them for the project’s research and presentation. Research can be done in class or assigned as a homework project. You could also do a combination of research done in the classroom and final project poster at home.
Vocabulary
invasive species, native species, biodiversity
Assessment Materials
Explanation and ExtensionExplanation:
(Time will vary)
Peer review is an invaluable tool in helping students modify and “fine-tune” their project. Give students time to evaluate each other’s project using the grading guidelines and to make sure all information is presented and easy to view.
Extension:
(Time will vary)
Students will present in groups during a go-around. Students are given a chance to have a more interactive one-on-one conversation than is allowed in a typical classroom presentation. Options include dividing your class into 2-3 groups with one group presenting while others “go-around” and then rotate to the next group. If you team-teach, you may have the go-around with your co-teacher’s class or even your whole grade-level with multiple teachers. Students are required to view 3-4 presentations by their classmates during the go-around and fill out information about different invasive species. You can let students choose projects to observe or have them draw names/or numbers of the projects they will view. For each project, they will write two positive comments for each section on their worksheet for four different projects in Attachment 3, “Invasive Species 1: Invasive Species Go-Around”.
Additional Resources
Created By:
Mary Klass, Geological Society of America, Geocorps America Program; Retired Poudre School District, Fort Collins, CO, Science Teacher
"Definition and Clarification of Terms." Evaluating, Doing and Writing Research in Psychology (2001): 101-28. The National Invasive Species Council, 27 Apr. 2006. Web. 27 Sept. 2015. <http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/docs/council/isacdef.pdf>.
DiFiore, Sonia. "Invasion Biology Introduced Species Summary Project - Columbia University." Invasion Biology Introduced Species Summary Project - Columbia University. Columbia University, 23 Oct. 2001. Web. 25 Mar. 2015. <http://www.columbia.edu/itc/cerc/danoff-burg/invasion_bio/inv_spp_summ/Herpestes_auropunctatus.html>.
Lowe S., Browne M., Boudjelas S., DePoorter M. (2000) 100 of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species: A selection from the Global Invasive Species Database. Published by The Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) a specialist group of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the World Conservation Union (IUCN), 12pp. First published as special lift-out Aliens 12, December 2000. Updated and reprinted version: November 2004.
"The Amazing Story of Kudzu." Max Shores. University of Alabama, 29 May 2013. Web. 26 Sept. 2015. <http://maxshores.com/the-amazing-story-of-kudzu/>.
“U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.” FAQs. US Fish and Wildlife Service, 20 Nov. 2012. Web. 04 Apr. 2015. <http://www.fws.gov/invasives/faq.html>.
Featured Photo: NPS Photo
Related Lessons or Education Materials
Invasive Species Children's Storybook (Invasive Species #2)
Invasive Species: Raising Awareness (Invasive Species #3)