The purpose of this learning experience is to engage students in a comprehensive exploration of biodiversity, genetics, global warming, and ecosystem dynamics. Through a five-week journey, students critically analyze real-world threats to biodiversity and collaborate on innovative projects focused on solutions, like their interactive museum exhibits. By engaging with experts and actively participating in interactive experiences, students apply their scientific knowledge while honing communication skills to address and educate about pressing environmental challenges.
Learning goals
Ninth-grade students will explore the interconnectedness of biodiversity, genetics, and ecosystem dynamics through innovative, hands-on activities. They will critically analyze real-world issues such as global warming's impact on biodiversity and design interactive exhibits to educate elementary students. By engaging in reflective practices and effective communication, students will demonstrate their understanding of ecosystem balance and biodiversity loss, using this knowledge to propose and evaluate viable solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
Standards
[Next Generation Science Standards] LS.4.D - Biodiversity and Humans
[Next Generation Science Standards] HS-LS2-2 - Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.
[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] HS-LS2-2 - Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.
Competencies
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.
Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
Products
During the learning experience, students will work collaboratively to develop an interactive exhibit focusing on the main threats to biodiversity, such as habitat loss, invasive species, or pollution, through the lens of a chosen species. Each group will design dynamic, hands-on activities, such as board games or interactive web activities, to engage and educate elementary students about the importance of biodiversity. The culminating project will be presented in an exhibition at the Safari Park, where students will also create individual video explanations to demonstrate their understanding and readiness for showcasing their work.
Launch
Begin the project with an interactive choice board activity, allowing students to delve into the challenges faced by at-risk species and their ecological significance. Following this exploration, initiate focused group research on the threats impacting Hawaiian Monk seals, discussing plausible solutions and creative approaches for interactive exhibit ideas. Conclude the launch with a collaborative discussion, sparking initial student creativity as they brainstorm exhibit concepts based on their research findings and reflections.
Exhibition
We will create a 'museum' where students present their interactive exhibits to elementary students, delivering engaging lessons on biodiversity through chosen species. The exhibits will offer immersive experiences such as board games, interactive activities, and models, ensuring the elementary audience can engage fully with the content. Aiming for an exhibit at the Safari Park will enrich the experience, situating student learning in a tangible environment and showcasing efforts to a broader audience. This platform will highlight students' ability to distill complex concepts into accessible, educational experiences.
