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Eelgrass Ecosystem

Spot the Difference

Elementary, Middle

Description

"Eelgrass Ecosystem: Spot the Difference" supports teaching students about invasive species.

In this activity the students observe two different illustrations of the same ocean ecosystem.  The first reveals a healthy eelgrass population with many other species enjoying the environment.  The second illustration includes the presence of the invasive European green crab and many other species are missing.  The students are tasked with identifying the differences between the two illustrations.

The resource includes discussion/observation questions as well as the option to complete a Kahoot quiz after the spot the difference activity.  If devices aren't available for the online quiz, questions can be read aloud. Extension activities are also suggested.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

The resource supports curriculum outcomes related to biodiversity, habitats and ecosystems.  It could be used as a supplemental activity to help reinforce concepts related to invasive species once the terms of invasive, native and non-native  have been  introduced. It is best suited for the Science curriculum in grades 1-7.

Relevant Curriculum Units

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        • Living Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions.
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      • Science
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        • Science 2: Living things have life cycles adapted to their environment
    • Grade 3
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 3: Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems
    • Grade 4
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      • Science
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        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
    • Grade 6
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        • Science 6: Multicellular organisms rely on internal systems to survive, reproduce, and interact with their environment.
    • Grade 7
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
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        • Science 7: Evolution by natural selection provides an explanation for the diversity and survival of living things.

Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (5)

  • Appreciating the Natural World
  • Biodiversity
  • Bioregionalism
  • Habitat Loss
  • Invasive Species

Water (1)

  • Marine Environments