Invasive Species (Requires two 50 minute class periods)

Concept or conceptual understanding:

Nonnative species do not occur naturally in an area.  Some nonnatives are considered invasive, meaning they can spread into an area and take over in such a way that natives cannot compete with them.

Real world connections (Relevancy):

Nonnative and invasive species are found in northern Arizona.

AZ standards: (include grade level and text):

Grade 7

Strand 1: Inquiry Process

Concept 3:  Analysis and Conclusions

PO 4.  Determine validity and reliability of results of an investigation.

PO 5.  Formulate a conclusion based on data analysis.

PO 7.  Formulate new questions based on the results of a previous investigation.

Concept 4: Communication

PO 3.  Communicate the results of an investigation with appropriate use of qualitative

            and quantitative information. 

Strand 4: Life Science

Concept 3: Populations of Organisms in an Ecosystem

PO 4.  Evaluate data related to problems associated with population growth (e.g., overgrazing, forest management, invasion of non-native species) and the possible solutions.

Incorporation of inquiry:

Students will use current research articles to think critically about relationships between evidence and explanations.

Behavior objectives:

1)      Students will differentiate between a nonnative and invasive species.

2)      Students will read and explain current invasive species research using the Natural Inquirer*.

3)      Students will explain the findings and implications of a scientific investigation using the Natural Inquirer.

4)      Students will compare and contrast different invasive species.

5)      Students will explain why invasive species can be harmful to an ecosystem.

Prior knowledge necessary:

Students should be familiar with the basic principles of ecology.

Identify possible student preconceptions:

If invasive species do well in an area then they deserve to be there.

Materials:

Natural Inquirer, Volume 8, Number 1, Invasive Species Edition

* The Natural Inquirer is available from the USDA Forest Service, free of charge.  See http://www.naturalinquirer.org/.

Safety:

N/A

Lesson Description:

Begin with a discussion about nonnative and invasive species and why invasive species can have negative effects on ecosystems.  Then divide the class into several groups and have each group read a different research article from the Natural Inquirer.  Students should take notes on the article as they read and then present their information to the class. 

Assessment:

1)      Ask students to compare and contrast the different invasive species they heard about in the presentations. 

2)      Discuss how students can help control the spread of invasive species.