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Why We Care About Invasive Species

Elementary, Middle

Description

'Why We Care About Invasive Species' is an activity-based resource that teaches students the differences between invasive, native, and non-native species and the impacts they can have on the environment.

A discussion, KWL activity, True & False quiz on Kahoot and a video are used to introduce the topic. Students then generate a list of their favorite activities and foods and brainstorm how invasive species might affect these items.  In the final activity, 'Word Smack Game', students are given a clue and must determine if it relates to a native, non-native or invasive species.

This activity is part of a larger lesson "A Beginner's Guide to Invasive Species" and includes links to related activities and resources in the form of websites and books.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

"Why We Care About Invasive Species" fits very well into the Science curriculum for grades 4 to 7 and outcomes that deal with habitats, living things and biodiversity. As it introduces and helps to solidify  terms and base knowledge it might be best used in the introductory stages of the study of invasive species.

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.

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  • Alberta
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    • Grade 4
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions.
        • Exploring connections strengthens our understandings of relationships to help us make meaning of the world.
        • Investigating change and the diversity of Earth’s systems helps us to develop understandings of the conditions necessary to sustain life.
        • Investigating matter and energy facilitates understandings of natural phenomena and can inspire discovery and innovation.
    • Grade 5
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Living Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions
        • Wetland Ecosystems
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions and Ecosystems
  • British Columbia
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    • Grade 4
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
    • Grade 5
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 5: Multicellular organisms have organ systems that enable them to survive and interact within their environment.
    • Grade 6
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 6: Multicellular organisms rely on internal systems to survive, reproduce, and interact with their environment.
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 7: Evolution by natural selection provides an explanation for the diversity and survival of living things.
  • Manitoba
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    • Grade 4
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      • Science
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        • Habitat and Communities
    • Grade 6
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      • Science
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        • Diversity of Living Things
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions Within Ecosystems
  • New Brunswick
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    • Grade 4
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      • Science
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        • Properties and Uses of Earth Materials: Learning and Living Sustainably
    • Grade 5
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      • Science
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        • Science 5: Living and technological Systems: Learning and Living Sustainably
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
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        • Science 7 Earth Surface Processes: Learning and Living Sustainably
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
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    • Grade 4
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      • Science
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        • Habitats
    • Grade 6
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      • Science
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        • Diversity of Life
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
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        • Interaction of Ecosystems
  • Northwest Territories
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    • Grade 4
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      • Science
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        • Life Systems: Habitats & Communities
        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
    • Grade 5
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 5: Multicellular organisms have organ systems that enable them to survive and interact within their environment.
    • Grade 6
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      • Science
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        • Life Systems: Diversity of Living Things
        • Science 6: Multicellular organisms rely on internal systems to survive, reproduce, and interact with their environment.
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions and Ecosystems
  • Nova Scotia
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    • Grade 4
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      • Science
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        • Science 4: Habitats
    • Grade 6
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      • Science
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        • Science 6: Diversity of Life
  • Nunavut
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    • Grade 4
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      • Science
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        • Life Systems: Habitats & Communities
    • Grade 6
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Life Systems: Diversity of Living Things
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
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        • Interactions and Ecosystems
  • Ontario
  • Prince Edward Island
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    • Grade 4
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        • Habitats
    • Grade 6
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Diversity of Life
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions Within Ecosystems
  • Quebec
  • Saskatchewan
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      • Science
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        • Habitats and Communities
    • Grade 6
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 6: Life Science: Diversity of Living Things
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 7: Life Science: Interactions within Ecosystems
  • Yukon Territory
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 4
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
    • Grade 5
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 5: Multicellular organisms have organ systems that enable them to survive and interact within their environment.
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 6: Multicellular organisms rely on internal systems to survive, reproduce, and interact with their environment.
    • Grade 7
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • 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
  • Endangered Species
  • Habitat Loss
  • Invasive Species

Land Use & Natural Resources (1)

  • Planting Native Species

Water (2)

  • Marine Environments
  • Watershed Protection