Field Trips

Snails as Bioindicators of Acid Deposition - Middle School

Grade Level:
Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
Subject:
Science

Teachers can use this field trip packet to help their students better understand how snails are an important part of the soil’s food chain and why scientists are concerned about their population due to the links between calcium availability in soil and acid deposition. It includes onsite activities, a preparation activity and a wrap-up activity.  

Objective(s)

1) understand the biodiversity of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
2) recognize that many snails here are endemic species, meaning they are known to live only in the park
3) recognize that snails only live in certain geologic areas
4) describe physical characteristics that make one snail shell different from another
5) learn the definitions associated with snails
6) explain why land snails are important to an ecosystem

Materials

Download Snails - Middle School field trip packet

Last updated: September 17, 2015