"Eco Quest: Species Spotlight Safari!"

10th Grade

Project
1 week

"Eco Quest: Species Spotlight Safari!"

Robert Juza

Purpose

This project invites students to delve into the complex interactions within specific ecosystems, focusing on key species and their roles. Through hands-on exploration and collaborative research, students will analyze food webs, biogeochemical cycles, and the impacts of human activities and invasive species. They will create tangible models and presentations to demonstrate their understanding and propose actionable conservation strategies. This experience aims to deepen ecological literacy and critical thinking about environmental sustainability.

Learning goals

The learning goals for this project are to develop a comprehensive understanding of ecosystem dynamics through hands-on investigation of specific species interactions and food webs. Students will analyze the roles and impacts of biogeochemical cycles within ecosystems and evaluate the effects of human activities and invasive species on ecological balance. They will apply critical thinking to propose actionable conservation strategies, demonstrating their grasp of ecosystem resilience and sustainability. Through collaboration and creative expression, students will effectively communicate their findings and insights to diverse audiences without relying on advanced technology like augmented reality.

Standards

NGSS - HS-LS2-6: Evaluate claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
NGSS - HS-LS2-7: Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
NGSS - HS-LS2-1: Use mathematical and computational representations to support explanations of factors that affect carrying capacity, biodiversity, and population dynamics in ecosystems.

Products

Students will design and build a scaled model of the ecosystem they studied, featuring handcrafted representations of specific species, food webs, and biogeochemical cycles. They will also create a digital presentation showcasing their ecosystem research and propose actionable conservation strategies. Additionally, students will develop a collaborative infographic illustrating the impact of an invasive species on the ecosystem, including proposed mitigation strategies and potential outcomes. These products will be displayed at the Ecosystem Expo, inviting engagement and feedback from peers, teachers, and community members.

Launch

Begin the project with an engaging 'Biome Adventure Day,' where students dive into a simulated exploration of a specific ecosystem. Focus on observing and documenting interactions of particular species within the ecosystem, emphasizing their roles and relationships. Through role-playing activities, students will gather data on species interactions and biogeochemical cycles, fostering curiosity and setting the foundation for their research.

Exhibition

Organize an 'Ecosystem Expo' where students set up interactive exhibits showcasing their scaled models and digital presentations. Encourage students to engage visitors with hands-on activities, such as interactive food web puzzles and species-specific exhibits, to deepen understanding of ecosystem dynamics. Invite peers, teachers, parents, and community partners to explore the exhibits, fostering dialogue and feedback on conservation strategies and human impacts.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2
Activities	Project Launch: Biome Adventure Day - Engage students in a simulated ecosystem exploration to observe species interactions and biogeochemical cycles through role-play and interactive activities (30 min) Field Observations Setup - Conduct virtual or field explorations for students to identify and document key species within a chosen ecosystem, focusing on their roles and interactions in the food web (30 min)	Species Interaction Analysis - Facilitate a session where students map out the food web of the ecosystem, highlighting specific species roles and trophic levels (30 min) Biogeochemical Cycle Mapping - Engage students in a collaborative research activity to outline the biogeochemical cycles in the ecosystem, identifying key processes and organism roles (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Observation journal documenting species interactions within the ecosystem. 2. Preliminary sketch of the scaled ecosystem model, highlighting key species and food webs.
Preparation	1. Prepare observation journals and sketching materials for students. 2. Organize group assignments and ecosystem selections for 'Biome Adventure Day.' 3. Coordinate with biology department partners for the midpoint check-in session. 4. Collect resources on biogeochemical cycles and species interactions for research session.