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Ideas for the Classroom
Have students or student groups prepare
one or more public education programs about invasive
species. Encourage students to consider various
media, including publications (e.g., flyers,
posters or fact sheets), visual publications,
videos, drama, music, etc.
Have students write a short
essay on why knowledge about invasive species
is (or might be) important in their own lives.
Have students investigate
possible explanations for the introduction of
an invasive species of local or regional concern,
and prepare a written report outlining at least
one hypothesis that explains how this invasive
species was introduced into its non-native habitat.
The report should also explain:
- The nature of the invasive
species.
- The native range of the
species.
- The new, non-native range
of the species, as far as it is known.
- The ecological impact
of this species, or its potential impact. For
example, has this species or might this species
alter the predator/prey relationships of its
new environment? Is it likely to be a better
competitor than native species, and thus displace
them? Might this species introduce new diseases
or parasites to its new environment?
- The possible economic
impacts of this species, or its potential impacts.
Is this species a direct threat to human health?
A good starting point for
this research is the online resources in the “Student
Guide” section. The “For Teachers” section
also has some useful online resources. If possible,
have each student or student group choose a different
species. Lastly, lead a discussion of student’s
research results.
Have students answer one
or more of the following questions in a report
or an oral presentation:
- Besides lionfish, are
there other invasive species in the Atlantic
Ocean threatening the ecosystems there?
- Are lionfish, as an invasive
species, a problem in other parts of the world?
Is the only lionfish invasion in the Atlantic?
- How might global warming
affect the invasion of lionfish in the Atlantic?
- How can we increase public
awareness of the potential harm to ecosystems
done by invasive species such as the lionfish?
- Are there any introduced
species that were thought originally to be
harmful (invasive), that turned out to be beneficial
to the ecosystem?
- Are there other examples
of ecosystems that have been affected by invasive
species? What were the effects and what solutions
were tried? How would these solutions work
for the lionfish invasion in U.S. Atlantic
waters?
- What is the reproductive rate of lionfish? With no natural predators and based on the current numbers in the Atlantic, how long will it take before lionfish outnumber some of the natural species that live there?
Scientists have speculated
that six lionfish were released from a flooded
marine aquarium in Florida because of Hurricane
Andrew in 1992. At least one of these individuals
was seen alive several days later. Have students
speculate about the answers to the following
questions, and then generate some hypotheses
about how lionfish might have colonized the Atlantic.
- How did lionfish find
their way to the Atlantic Ocean?
- Were the released aquarium
lionfish the source of the population that
lives in the Atlantic Ocean today?
- Why do scientists think
that the aquarium trade is the vector for the
introduction of lionfish? What kind of evidence
would they need to support their hypothesys?
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Printable Materials
Click on the links to view or print for use as handouts. Includes all the text
and images of the Web site content.
Chapters (with Glossary):
• The Lionfish Invasion! (pdf, 460Kb),
includes:
- 1. Welcome to The Lionfish Invasion!
- 2. What is an Invasive Species?
- 3. Lionfish Invade U.S. Waters!
- 4. Is the Aquarium Trade to Blame?
- 5. Some Lionfish Biology
- 6. Can We Stop the Invasion?
- 7. References
- Glossary
Chapter Supplements:
• Lionfish Biology Fact Sheet
- Microsoft
Word text version (doc, 36Kb),
Adobe
Acrobat version (pdf, 128Kb)
Supporting Resources:
• Thinking Like a Scientist (pdf, 232Kb)
- Includes the supplement page: Profile of a NOAA Scientist: Paula Whitfield
• Student
Guide (pdf, 140Kb); includes Web Resources and Glossary
• Glossary
only (pdf, 112Kb)
• Take the Quiz! - Microsoft
Word text version (doc, 40Kb)
• Quiz Answers - Microsoft
Word text version (doc, 44Kb)
• For Teachers (pdf, 108Kb)
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Links to Lesson Plans
Alien Invasion!
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/classroom/
lessons/06_coastal_alien.pdf
For Grades 9-12 (easily adapted for middle
school students). This introductory lesson
from NOAA's National Ocean Service introduces
students to the broad concept of invasive species.
Students prepare a written case study on an invasive
aquatic species, followed by an oral presentation.
The lesson plan provides a list of possible species
to choose from, and information about their introduction,
impact, and control. Suggestions for extensions
are also provided.
Real-Life Aliens: Introduced Species
http://www.actionbioscience.org/lessonaccess/simberloff.html
Advanced/AP High School and undergraduate
level. This lesson examines issues stemming
from introduced and invasive species. Students
can gather statistical information about local
invasive species, interview animal and plant
inspectors at an international airport, investigate
the pet parrot trade, and more.
Aquatic Invaders
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/14/
g68/invaders.html
For Grades 6-8 (easily adapted for lower high school level). In
this activity from the National Geographic Society, students explore the ways
that native species interact in a healthy Chesapeake Bay. They then learn how
exotic and invasive species can threaten the balance of the ecosystem. Students
discover how various elements of the Bay’s ecosystems are interconnected
and investigate some of the issues associated with invasive species.
Venom!
http://www.pbs.org/oceanrealm/intheschool/school3.html
For Grades 9-12. This classroom activity from PBS is
supported by the Secrets of the Ocean Realm episode “Venom!”,
which investigates the behaviors of creatures that sting and those
that are able to circumvent the use of venom (available from PBS on
DVD). In this activity, students learn about the nature of venom and
the treatment of envenomation. They conduct an experiment to demonstrate
how proteins such as venoms can be denatured. For additional information
on ocean creatures that are venomous (including lionfish), see this
related Web page from PBS:
http://www.pbs.org/oceanrealm/seadwellers/index.html
Discovery School Lesson Plan on Invasive Plants
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/
galapagos-beyonddarwin/
For Grades 6-8 (easily adapted for grades 9-12; standards
given for all grade levels). Students investigate endemic and
introduced species in the Galapagos Islands, and observe how one
native species has been endangered by an invasive one.
Battlefield Earth
http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/ntti/resources/lessons/
battle/index.html
For Grades 9-12. Using the Internet, students research
the complications and environmental impact non-native species can
have on ecosystems. Students conduct a Web quest to identify other
regions of the world that are damaged due to the introduction of
non-native species. Students create digitized posters that highlight
their particular area of research, and discuss and draw similarities
and differences between regions. Finally, students select an indigenous
species that has been impacted by a non-native species and devise
a population control method for restoring the indigenous species
to its natural status in the ecosystem.
Environmental Inquiry: Invasive Species
http://ei.cornell.edu/ecology/invspec/
For Grades 9-12. This web site hosts two great student
field activities: 1) Early Detection Surveys and 2) Plot Sampling:
Density. Click on the link titled “Invasion Ecology” at
the very bottom of either activity to go to the downloadable student
worksheets, peer review forms, assessment rubrics, test questions,
background material, links and more.
Growing Native in Your Community/The Power of Invasion
http://www.wildlifehc.org/managementtools/
backyard-growingnative.cfm
For Grades 6-8 (easily expanded and adapted for high school
students). These three lesson plans from the Wildlife Habitat
Council can be used in succession or alone. They introduce students
to the concepts of native plant communities and the wildlife that
inhabits them. Students study native and invasive species in
the classroom and learn to identify them in the wild. Some exercises
can be done in the classroom.
Invasive Species Video and Lesson Plan
http://paipm.cas.psu.edu/invasiveplan.html
For Grades 9-12. This video, hosted and narrated by BugMobile,
the famous talking Volkswagen, identifies the effects that people
and their activities have on watersheds, explains species diversity,
introduces species classified as pests in their new environments,
and analyzes the benefits of Integrated Pest Management to the environment
and society. Each video includes a lesson plan with pre- and post-tests,
discussion questions and suggestions for related activities. There
is a cost associated with the videos, but the lesson plans are available
for free download at this Web site.
Pushy Plants and Alien Animals
http://www.naturalsciences.org/conservation/invasives/
index2.htm
For Grades 6-12. This great interactive exercise on invasive
plants and animals from
the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is geared toward the
fauna of North Carolina. The exercise could be adapted for many locations
in the southeastern United States.
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Online Resources for Teachers
Invasivespecies.gov
http://www.invasivespecies.gov
This Web site is one-stop shopping for everything
you ever wanted to know about invasive species
and the gateway to Federal efforts to control
them. Learn about the impacts of invasive species
and the Federal government's response, read select
species profiles, and find links to agencies
and organizations dealing with invasive-species
issues. Invasivespecies.gov is also the official
site for the National Invasive Species Council,
which coordinates Federal responses to the problem.
The Bridge
http://www.vims.edu/bridge/
The Bridge is a growing
collection of the best marine education resources
available on-line. It provides educators with
a convenient source of accurate and useful information
on global, national, and regional marine science
topics. Resources are organized as indicated
on the sidebar on the left side of the screen.
Aquatic Invasive Species: An Educators
Information and Materials Guide http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/exotics/ais_guide.pdf
This booklet from the University of Minnesota Sea Grant College
Program is a compilation of selected educational material on aquatic
invasive species for K-12 teachers and informal educators. Entries
include curricula, print materials, posters, videos, books, CDs and
Web sites.
Invasion Ecology
http://ei.cornell.edu/pubs/ie.asp
Developed by the Cornell Environmental Inquiry Program, Invasion
Ecology consists of a student edition and teacher's guide designed
to enable high school students to carry out authentic research. By
studying non-native invasive species such as purple loosestrife and
Phragmites, students will learn about the links between biology and
ecology—and explore how scientists are fighting these aggressors
with biological controls. Invasion Ecology was published by the National
Science Teachers Association.
Case Teaching Notes for “Exotics”
http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/projects/cases/exotics/
exotics_notes.html
These case notes examine the biological, ecological, social, political,
and economic factors surrounding exotic species, as well as the role
of resource managers in shaping public policy on environmental issues.
Although aimed at the college level, this is excellent background reading
for 9-12 teachers.
USGS—Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Web Site (includes
a searchable database)
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/default.asp
This Web site is a central repository for accurate and spatially-referenced
biogeographic information on nonindigenous aquatic species. It provides
scientific reports, online/real-time queries, spatial data sets, regional
contact lists, and general information. These data are for use by biologists,
interagency groups, and the public. The geographical coverage is the
United States.
Global Environmental Change: Introduced Species
http://nsta.tasco1.com/showItem.asp?product=PB138X04&session
=F37615A549CE420792971A5EFA692978
Introduced Species is one of four books in NSTA Press's Global Environmental Change series, a joint project of NSTA Press and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Seven inquiry-based activities--using pillbugs, the school grounds, species dispersal maps, and introductory genetics--provide students with the skills they need to address the problem of nonindigenous species.
Aliens in Your Neighborhood:
Invasive Species and the National Parks
http://www.nps.gov/invspcurr/alienhome.htm
Aliens In Your Neighborhood is an introduction to the National Park Service’s curriculum on invasive plants. It addresses key national strategies and enables students to become working partners with the National Parks System as citizen scientists.
Invasive Species
Educational Resources
http://www.invasivespecies.org/resources/
This Web site is a compilation of educational resources on invasive species and integrated pest management. It is sponsored by the National Science Foundation Center for Integrated Pest Management.
The Impacts of Introduced
Species to the United States
http://gcrio.gcrio.org/CONSEQUENCES/vol2no2/article2.html
This is an easy-to-understand
article by Daniel Simberloff, a leading ecologist,
about the status and biology of introduced species
in the United States. It appeared in the respected
online journal Consequences in 1996.
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National Science Education Standards
SciLinks, a major product
of the National Science Teachers Association
(NSTA), identifies Web-based, educationally appropriate
science content that provide useful background
information to students and teachers. All Web
pages cited in SciLinks adhere to rigorous NSTA
criteria and have been formally evaluated by
NSTA professionals. NSTA members may access this
directly from NSTA’s SciLinks Web site
(www.scilinks.org)
through a list of keywords. SciLinks also support
most major textbook publishers and is directly
referenced in more than 45 science textbooks,
and other publications as well, enabling all
teachers and students to access its database
of vetted resources.
Below, you will find the SciLinks Web site keywords featured on the SciLinks
Web site that are appropriate to the topic of invasive species (The Lionfish
Invasion!) and the corresponding National Science Education Standards arranged
by subject, topic and concept:
| SciLinks Keyword | ||
• Subject |
||
| º Topic | ||
| >Concept |
SciLinks Keyword: Invasive Species
• Subject: Science in Personal and Social Perspectives
º Topic: Natural and human-induced hazards
> Concept: **Invasive species destroy ecosystems as surely as chemical pollution or human population growth with associated development. Whether they are called invasive, non-native, alien, exotic, or nonindigenous, introduced species are those that evolved elsewhere and have been purposely or accidentally relocated. Introduced species often find no natural enemies in their new habitat and therefore spread easily and quickly.
SciLinks Keyword: Human Impact
• Subject: Science in Personal and Social Perspectives
º Topic: Natural and human-induced hazards
> Concept: Human activities can enhance potential for hazards.
SciLinks Keyword: Ecology
• Subject: History and Nature of Science
º Topic: Science as a human endeavor
> Concept: **
Ecology is the study of relationships between
living things and
their environment.
SciLinks Keyword: Aquatic Biomes
• Subject: Life Science
º Topic: Populations and ecosystems
> Concepts:
All populations living together and the physical factors with which they interact compose an ecosystem.
** Marine ecosystems cover
almost three-quarters of the Earth's surface
and contain about 97 percent of the Earth's water
supply.
**Non
Standard Web Page - NSES Concept Correlation:
Some of the keywords featured in SciLinked publications don't have a perfect
fit to the National Science Education Standards. These keywords may rely wholly
or in part on customized Standards Concepts. NSTA educators have written these
Concepts in the spirit of the Standards, but they don't appear in the official
NSES publication.
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Scilinks Icon Information
The icons below are used on NSTA’s SciLinks Web site (www.scilinks.org) to identify characteristics of the Web pages in its database. Resources available in The Lionfish Invasion! include:
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