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Description
Invaders of the St. Lawrence consists of a video and follow-up activity that explores the issue of invasive species in the St. Lawrence River ecosystem and how human activity has contributed to their spread. The video explains what invasive species are, how they arrive (through shipping, canals, and global trade), and why they pose a serious threat to native plants and animals. Species such as zebra mussels and round goby are used as concrete examples to show how invaders disrupt food webs, outcompete native species, and alter habitats.
After learning what invasive species are and how the round goby has impacted the ecosystem, students research evidence to understand multiple perspectives on ecosystem management. Students are then divided into two teams: one arguing to control and manage the round goby and the other arguing to tolerate and leave it alone. Using scientific viewpoints, ethical considerations, and ecological evidence, students prepare opening statements, rebuttals, and closing arguments before conducting and recording a formal debate. In addition to the video, tools are provided to support the students in completing this activity.
General Assessment
Recommendation of how and where to use it
Aimed at classroom use, the video combines science, geography, and environmental stewardship. It encourages students to think about cause-and-effect relationships, human responsibility, and long-term ecological impacts.Teachers can use it to support discussions on biodiversity, ecosystem balance, and how informed choices and policies can help protect Canada’s waterways now and in the future.
Relevant Curriculum Units
The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.
- Step 1Select a province
- Alberta
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Interactions and Ecosystems
- Grade 8
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Freshwater and Saltwater Systems
- Grade 9
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Biological Diversity
- Knowledge and Employability Science: Biological Diversity (Social and Environmental Contexts Emphasis)
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland & Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Interactions and Ecosystems
- Grade 8
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Freshwater and Saltwater Systems
- Interactions in Our Environment
- Grade 9
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Biological Diversity
- Knowledge and Employability Science: Biological Diversity (Social and Environmental Contexts Emphasis)
- Ontario
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Interactions in the Environment
- Grade 8
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Earth and Space Systems: Water Systems
- Grade 9
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- :Biology: Sustainable Ecosystems
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- The Living World
- Grade 8
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- The Living World
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon Territory
Themes Addressed
Air, Atmosphere & Climate (1)
- Climate Change
Ecosystems (2)
- Biodiversity
- Invasive Species
Indigenous Knowledge (1)
- TEK -- Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Land Use & Natural Resources (2)
- Fisheries
- Habitat Restoration