Learning Goals
Students will be able to investigate how invasive species reduce biodiversity in a local habitat by collecting and comparing observations of native and invasive species.
Students will be able to analyze how invasive species disrupt food webs and interdependent relationships in ecosystems using models and evidence from field observations.
Students will be able to explain how invasive species can decrease the availability and quality of natural resources by affecting soil, water, and habitat health.
Students will be able to interpret evidence about how invasive species can increase soil erosion, flooding risk, and wildfire risk in a local area.
Students will be able to obtain and combine information from community partners, photos, maps, and safe cleanup observations about ways people protect native ecosystems from invasive species.
Students will be able to evaluate simple invasive species management solutions and justify which actions are most effective for protecting biodiversity and habitat health.
Students will be able to communicate evidence-based conclusions about invasive species through posters, models, and a short public message for families and neighbors.
Products
Invasive Species Investigation Notebook
Students keep a research notebook that records one focused question, a simple investigation method, observations from sorting cards or schoolyard checks, and notes from community sources. The notebook shows individual evidence, graphs or tables, and a final claim about how invasive species affect the local ecosystem.
Protect Our Place Exhibition Report and PSA Display
Teams create a formal report and exhibition display that combine each member’s evidence into one shared conclusion about invasive species impacts and solutions. The team presentation must include methods, visuals, conflicting or surprising findings, limitations, and a clear public action message for families and neighbors.
No rubric has been generated yet.