Invasive Species

Introduction:

Invasive species pose a major threat to biodiversity around the world.  The same technology that has made it  possible for humans to traverse the globe has also made it possible for plant and animals species to do the same.  In many instances, these exotic species take root in their new environment and push out, or destroy competing organisms.  Invasive species cause millions of dollars worth of damage each year and cost as much to control.

Scenario: 

You are a well known ecologist who has written several award winning papers on the biodiversity in the United States.  After years of studying and hard work, you have been asked to head a proposal that will ask Congress for money to be used to help control the spread of invasive species.  You must create a presentation that illuminates that dangers invasive species pose to the biodiversity of the United States.  Your presentation must persuade Congress to provide you with money that will be allotted to help find ways to control the spread of current invasive and prevent the appearance of new invasive species.

Activity:

Your task today is to create a power point presentation that you will use to persuade congress for funding.  In order to create you presentation, you will work with two other students and search the internet to find information on invasive species that threaten the United States.  You must explain what invasive species are and why we, as a nation, should be concerned with their existence.  In addition, you need to supply several different examples, at least 3 plant and 3 animal species, that highlight the problems invasive species cause.  Remember, your target audience will not have the scientific background you have, so you must explain everything.  Don't assume your audience will know anything about invasive species.  You should also provide pictures to accompany your species so that your audience can have a visual idea what you are talking about.  Once you have identified the invasive species, you must explain how you will use the money to help control their spread.  You will have to search for controls that have worked in the past and new possibilities for the future.  Make sure to identify and explain how you want to spend money to help control invasive species.  (Remember, you don't want to harm that native species so poisoning should be an absolute last result.) 

*Note: Sites have been provided to help you search for the necessary information.  You must note each site you used for information at the conclusion of your presentation.   If you elect to create your own search and use information from a site not listed below, you must site where you got your information from at the end of your presentation.

Starting Point:

In order to gain an understanding of problems associated with  invasive species, you may want to try a general search before you begin to compile your evidence.  You can check out the types of different web pages that come up with different search phrases. 

Gathering Information:

1)  Determine what is the classification for an invasive species is.  Create an informative description that will be easily understood by your target audience.  Some clarification of terms may be necessary.  Find several different definitions and determine how you want to define invasive species and determine if there is any other vocabulary you feel is necessary to define in order for your audience to understand you better.  Visit the sites below or create a search query to find other sites that help to define what an invasive species is.

2)  Why should we be concerned?  This is the major question you are trying to answer.  Use the below web sites and any you find while doing your searches to find out the main arguments that explain why invasive species are cause for alarm.  Use the information you discover to develop an informative argument that will explain to your audience why they should be concerned. 

Invasive Species Examples:

Now that you have set the stage for your argument, you will need to provide examples of species that fall under the classification of invasive species.  For this part you will have to search the Internet and find at least 3 different plant and 3 different animal species that have been classified as invasive in the United States.  Provide information about how they came to the United States, where they can be found now, what species are they threatening, and what means are they using to out compete/threaten native species.  Remember, you audience will not have much prior knowledge, so choosing species that many people have come in contact with or species that will have a direct impact upon them will be better choices (don't go for the most obscure references you can find).  You will also want to find pictures of each species you choose to make sure that your audience can have a visual understanding also.  You may either create your own search or use one of the sites provided below to gather information

What Can Be Done (also known as: Where will the money go)

Finally, you have reached the point everyone is interested in.  How will you use the money to stop the spread of invasive species?  For this part of your presentation, you need to provide information on the various types of controls that are currently being used to stop the spread of invasive species.  You need to provide information that informs the audience about what biological controls are, what possible hazards exist in using them, how you would screen the types of controls you would use, how effective are current controls, and what will happen if the controls fail (what is your fail-safe plan).  You may use the web sites below or create your own search that will provide you with information on different types of controls that are being used to stop invasive species.

Rubric:

Web Quest Examples:

Genetic Disorders- This site site provides a web quest that can be used with high school students.  Here the students are taken through what genetic disorders are. The students search sites to learn about how specific disorders develop and what can be done to prevent their development.                                            http://www.union.k12.ia.us/ukhs/WebQuest/geneticdisorder.htm

Biology Quest- This site provides a web quest that can be used with students who are learning ecology.  Students are asked to develop their own animals, which leads them through the process of learning about different habitats, and the species that inhabit each ecosystem.                                                                      http://www.coe.ufl.edu/webtech/Timemachine/science/bioquest1.htm

Meet the Invertebrates- This site provides a web quest that can be used with students in grades 7-10.  Here, students can learn about different types of invertebrates and how they are adapted for survival.  Students will learn about where invertebrates can be found and different properties each developed for carrying out necessary functions for living.                              http://www.can-do.com/uci/lessons98/Invertebrates.html

Viruses- This site provides a web quest that can be used to help students study viruses.  This site provides an activity that requires students to select a virus and do research to learn when it was discovered, how it is ttransmitted, how it infects, and how replication works with it.                                                                                                                             http://www.can-do.com/uci/lessons98/Viruses.html

Desert-This site provides a web quest that can be used with students when they start to learn about different biomes.  Students are taken through a quest that will help them gather knowledge on the desert biome.  They will learn about the adaptations plants and animals must have in order to be able to survive in the desert.                                                                       http://www.can-do.com/uci/lessons98/Desert.html