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Musical Mussels

Elementary, Middle

Description

This resource is designed to have students ‘experience’ the harm caused by invasive species. Based on the game musical chairs, students simulate the ecological impacts resulting from the arrival of zebra mussels in the Great Lakes. This lesson consists of two parts.

Part One: What are Invasive Species?

With the aid of photo and description cards provided by the resource, students learn how to identify native, non-native, invasive and non invasive species through small and whole group activities.

Part Two: Musical Mussels

Using a musical chairs ‘set-up’ to illustrate the threats posed by invasives, students take on the role of different aquatic species to compare ecosystem dynamics before and after the introduction of zebra mussels . Based on this experience students are then asked to reflect on what makes the zebra mussel so successful and what steps might be taken to prevent their spread.

The resource includes background information on the zebra mussel and its introduction, spread and control. There are also some interesting suggestions for both extending and assessing the learning.

 

General Assessment

Strengths

  • The resource addresses an important issue.
  • While intended for an Ontario audience, the resource has strong connections to the curriculum in most jurisdictions.
  • The game provides an enjoyable and effective learning experience.
  • All materials required to conduct the simulation are included.
  • The resource includes adequate background information and suggestions to extend the learning.

Recommendation of how and where to use it

The resource and simulation it is based on will contribute a valuable  experiential learning component in support of the study of invasive species.

Relevant Curriculum Units

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Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (3)

  • Biodiversity
  • Interdependence
  • Invasive Species