All grades  Project 12 weeks

Park Patrol: Ecosystem Explorers!

Brad D
MS-LS2-5
MS-LS2-5
HS-LS2-7
MS-ESS3-3
LS.2.C
+ 6 more
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Purpose

The overarching purpose of this project is to immerse students in real-world ecological studies by exploring diverse ecosystems within U.S. national parks. Through hands-on experiences, such as visiting Joshua Tree National Park and the San Diego Zoo, students will investigate how animal adaptations influence ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity. Students will collaboratively design innovative solutions for conservation challenges, fostering critical thinking, effective communication, and self-directed learning. By engaging meaningfully with these rich learning experiences, students gain a deeper understanding of the importance of maintaining ecosystem balance and the role of national parks in preserving natural habitats.

Learning goals

This project aims to enhance students' understanding of ecosystem dynamics, trophic levels, and animal adaptations using U.S. national parks as a case study. Students will explore the establishment and conservation challenges faced by national parks, applying critical thinking and problem-solving to evaluate biodiversity threats and design solutions. Through collaboration, effective communication, and reflection, students will deepen their content expertise, become self-directed learners, and develop skills that matter to their communities while gaining real-world insights from field experiences at Joshua Tree National Park and the San Diego Zoo.
Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] MS-LS2-5 - Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] MS-LS2-5 - Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-LS2-7 - Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] MS-ESS3-3 - Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] LS.2.C - Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-LS2-7 - Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
Competencies
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.

Products

Throughout the project, students will collaboratively create a dynamic 12-panel dodecahedron that illustrates and explains various aspects of a national park's unique ecosystem, including trophic levels, animal adaptations, and conservation efforts. This immersive model will serve as both an educational tool and a centerpiece for the final exhibition, where students will present their findings to peers, parents, and community members. Additionally, students will engage in digital storytelling by producing short videos to document their learning journey, capturing moments from field experiences and integrating insights from community partners at Joshua Tree National Park.

Launch

To begin this immersive learning experience, students will embark on an overnight camping trip to Joshua Tree National Park to observe and interact with the unique desert ecosystem firsthand. This launch event will also include a structured visit to the San Diego Zoo where students will engage in guided mini-workshops on animal adaptations and conservation efforts. By experiencing these diverse environments, students will lay the foundation for understanding ecosystems and the critical role adaptations play in maintaining ecological balance.

Exhibition

To culminate the project, students will host an interactive exhibition showcasing their 12-panel docahedron projects at a community event. This exhibition will include displays, presentations, and demonstrations that detail the unique ecosystems of U.S. national parks and the animals' adaptive features within them. Students will engage families and other school classes through visual storytelling and immersive exhibits. With an aim to promote public understanding, students will facilitate discussions on conservation efforts and the impact of human activities on these ecosystems, thus practicing their communication skills and sharing their learning journey.