Activity 1:  Who Belongs Here?

Grade Level:  6 - 8 grade

Time:  1 hour plus research

Concept:  Students will determine which species of their area are introduced and the reasons for their being in the area.

Objectives:  Students will:

            1.  determine introduced species of their area (Science)

            2.  locate on a map the original locations of introduced species (Geography)

National Standards

            Science

            Geography

Materials:  research materials

Preparation Needed:

            Arrange for a local Division of Wildlife officer to visit or contact the division for a list of introduced animal species.  Contact the State Forest Service for a list of introduced plant species to the area.

Procedure:

            1.  Invite a wildlife officer and forest service representative to talk to the students about introduced species of the local area.  Be sure to write down any species mentioned.  If personnel are not available in your area, write each agency for a printed list of the species. 

            2.  Assign each student or small group one of the plant or animal species.

            3.  Have the students research from where the plant or animal originated and why/how it ended up in their area.  Include a picture of the species.

            4.  Mark the original locations on a world map and include the picture.

Evaluation:

            Students can name three plant and animal species introduced into their local area.

Extension:

            Go on a field trip/scavenger hunt and see how many of the introduced species can be found.  You may need to take the pictures the students found during their research to make identification easier.

Modifications:

Older students

            1.  Encourage students to do further research to determine what impact the introduced species had on local flora and fauna.

            2.  Have students check with state agencies to see if the agencies sponsor any public programs to control any of the introduced species.  Some states have laws that certain plant species must be removed from private lands.  Other states have rewards for fishermen that bring in certain introduced species.  

Younger students

            1.  Do some basic research for the students.  State agencies often have one page information sheets on some of the most troublesome introduced species.

ACTIVITY TWO