Biodiversity
Driving or Multi-dimensional Question:
Clearing of land and new roads can pose issues for the species in our area. How would your team recommend enhancing the habitat not only in our public natural area but also in our more urban public spaces?
Unit Summary:
Students will learn about succession and its progression on land and in the water. The topic of native vs invasive species will also be discussed. Students will then participate in a species collection using the iNaturalist app. Finally, collected data is used by students to form a management plan to improve species biodiversity in a public space in the area.
Hook Event:
Develop an introductory activity that will spark student interest and further questions.
Culminating Event:
Team Management Plan
Student teams will defend their plan to adopt a local public area to improve the habitat for native species.
Teams will discuss the progress of succession as well as the management of invasive species in
the plan.
Standards
Science Standards:
BIO1.LS2.5 – Analyze examples of ecological succession, identifying, and explaining the order of events responsible for the formation of a new ecosystem in response to extreme fluctuations in environmental conditions or catastrophic
events.
BIO1.LS4.3 Identify ecosystem services and assess the role of biodiversity in support of these services. Analyze the role human activities have on the disruption of these services.
Math Standards:
A1.S.ID.B.4 Represent data on two quantitative variables on a scatter plot and describe how the variables are related.
ELA and Other Standards:
Social Studies, Art, Physical Education
Daily Activities
For more information on this lesson please see the Lesson Resources below
| Activity | Description | Resources and Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Activity One | iNaturalist Bio Blitz and Data Interpretation | inaturalist.org/pages/teacher’s+guide
|
| Activity Two | Primary and Secondary Succession | Tennessee Wildlife Judging Manual https://henderson.tennessee.edu/judging-team-news/ |
| Activity Three | Ecosystem Services | Project Boards or Digital Equivalent |
| Activity Four | Team Management Plan |
Technology Integration: - The collection of species using technology has revolutionized the collection of data. - The project displayed digitally broadens the audience dramatically.
| Community Partners | Contribution to Learning Experience | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Joshua Argo | Partners joined our iNaturalist project jargo@tva.gov | |
Philip Short, Ph.D. Director of the Jack Hunt STEM Center | Partners assisted with the correct identification of many species. | Office: 931-221-7513 shortp@apsu.edu |
| Michelle Rogers Instructor, Department of Biology Austin Peay State University | Partners guided me with the use of the iNaturalist website and app. | 931-221-6480 |
| 4. Daniel Sarver Extension Specialist for 4-H STEM University of Tennessee | A 4-H agent with experience in the wildlife project will make and excellent classroom guest speaker or management plan advisor. | Office 865-974-2128 dsarver@utk.edu |
Capstone Presentation:
The team wildlife management plan is the capstone presentation. Students can display/share presentations within the school or community where appropriate.