Biodiversity Connections

Transcription

1 Biodiversity Connections BIODIVERSITY CONNECTIONS LESSON 18 OVERVIEW Students simulate biodiversity within an ecosystem by assuming the identities of resident plant and animal species in a forest stream ecosystem. Students investigate the functions of plant and animal species in the ecosystem, discover their interdependent relationships, and consider the importance of preserving biodiversity in nature. INQUIRY/CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS What is biodiversity and why is it important in an ecosystem? What factors threaten biodiversity? What can people do to help protect and conserve the Earth s ecosystems? OBJECTIVES Students will: Identify the functions of plant and animal species in a forest stream ecosystem Explore species interdependency Consider what can be done to help protect biodiversity KEY ISSUES/CONCEPTS Ecosystems Biodiversity Sustainability SUBJECT AREAS Social Studies (Global Studies) Science (Life, Environmental) NATIONAL STANDARDS CONSISTENCY NSES: C, F NCSS: 9 GRADE LEVEL: 5 9 TIME REQUIRED: 1 hour FTF Related Reading Intermediate: Chapter 6 from Global Issues and Sustainable Solutions Advanced: Unit 4, Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 5 from It s All Connected Vocabulary Ecosystem A community of organisms (plant, animal, and other living organisms) together with their environment, functioning as a unit. Habitat The environment in which an organism or biological population lives or grows. Biodiversity The variety of life in all its forms, levels, and combinations, including ecosystem diversity, species diversity, and genetic diversity FACING THE FUTURE: PEOPLE AND THE PLANET 107

2 LESSON 18 BIODIVERSITY CONNECTIONS Biodiversity Connections Materials/Preparation Handout: Plant/Animal Identity Cards, copy and cut into 15 cards (1 per every 2 students) (Optional) See the Technology Connection below for a good website with information about the species in this activity Activity Introduction 1. Tell the class that they are going to do an activity in which they take on the identity of a plant or animal species in a forest stream ecosystem and explore species interdependency. 2. If necessary, go over the vocabulary words. Steps 1. Brainstorm with the students what a forest stream ecosystem might look like and what plant and animal species might live there. (You want students to give general answers here such as trees, insects, birds, fish, shrubs, etc.) 2. Arrange students in pairs. Have each pair randomly draw a Plant/Animal Identity Card and tell them that it is their job to figure out how the different plants and animals in the ecosystem function and interact. 3. Have each pair discuss and then answer the FACING THE FUTURE: PEOPLE AND THE PLANET first question on their card What is your function in this ecosystem? 4. Give students about 10 minutes to move about the room with their partner and interview other student pairs to investigate what other plant and animal species exist in the ecosystem and how they interact. Have them provide at least 2 answers to the second and third questions on their role cards What/Who do you depend on in this ecosystem? and What/ Who depends on you in this ecosystem? Optional: When the students are walking around meeting the other ecosystem parts, have them act out their plant/ animal rather than tell each other what they are. This can be very straightforward if someone figures out that they are a tree, for example, they could simply say Yes, I m a big leaf maple. 5. Call the class to attention. As a group, discuss the ecosystem and how it functions. How are the different plant and animal species interacting to ensure each others survival? As students share their species and connections, draw or write the ecosystem components on the board and draw lines between the different species as the connections are stated. w w w. f a c i n g t h e f u t u r e. o r g

3 BIODIVERSITY CONNECTIONS LESSON 18 Biodiversity Connections 6. Select a few students to explain their function within the ecosystem. Have students share which plant and animal species they depend on and which plant and animal species depend on them within the ecosystem. 7. Conclude with the following reflection questions. operation, etc.)? How might a contaminated or destroyed ecosystem impact a local community? What does 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai mean when she says, In making sure that other species survive, we will be ensuring the survival of our own? Assessment Reflection Questions Technology Connection For Intermediate and Advanced Students Why is biodiversity in an ecosystem important? What impact does removing even 1 species from an ecosystem have on the ecosystem as a whole? How might the ecosystem be affected if a new plant or animal species were introduced? How do human beings affect an ecosystem? What are some negative and positive effects? What is 1 example of an ecosystem in your community or region? What can you do as an individual, and what can be done on a systemic level, to protect and conserve the Earth s ecosystems? For Advanced Students What factors threaten biodiversity in an ecosystem (e.g. climate change, a mining Have students research their species using the National Wildlife Federation field guide website at where they will find detailed information, including description, habitat, range, food source, and even some sounds! Art Connection Have students draw or make a collage of the forest stream ecosystem including the plant and animal species inhabitants. Action Projects Remove invasive plant species in a public area near your school and replant the area with native plants. Many city and county agencies will work with you and your students on this (Department of Parks, Department of Soil & Conservation, Department of Natural Resources, etc.). Join the Rainforest Action Network a non-profit group working to protect tropical rainforests and the human rights of those living in and around those forests. For more information, visit Rainforest Action Network at FACING THE FUTURE: PEOPLE AND THE PLANET w w w. f acingthefuture.org 109

4 LESSON 18 BIODIVERSITY CONNECTIONS Biodiversity Connections Visit and click on Take Action and then Fast Facts Quick Actions for more action opportunities on biodiversity issues. Additional Resources Films Biodiversity: the Variety of Life, Dal Neitzel, The Greater Ecosystem Alliance, 1992, 42 minutes, Through the use of maps, diagrams and examples, this video offers important insight into preserving the balance of dynamic ecosystems. Natural Connections, Sharon Howard & Michael Rosen, 2000, 46 minutes (Also available as a 5-part series for schools), Natural Connections makes effective use of interviews with well-spoken scientists, beautiful photography, top quality graphics, and original music to underline the importance of maintaining biodiversity if we as a species want to survive and thrive on our home planet. Books Biodiversity, Dorothy Hinshaw Patent & William Allen Munoz (Illustrator), Clarion Books, A photo essay that illustrates not only what biodiversity is, but why it is important to maintain. The Future of Life, E.O. Wilson, Knopf, Eminent biologist and expert on biodiversity, E.O. Wilson argues that the integrity and diversity of the planet are under grave threat in the 21st century and then outlines a strategy for protecting most of the world s remaining ecosystems and species. Websites Conservation International s mission is to conserve the Earth s living heritage, our global biodiversity, and to demonstrate that human societies are able to live harmoniously with nature. The World Resources Institute is an environmental think tank whose mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth s environment for current and future generations. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an agreement adopted by the majority of the world s governments at the 1992 Earth Summit. The Convention establishes 3 main goals: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources FACING THE FUTURE: PEOPLE AND THE PLANET

5 2006 FACING THE FUTURE: PEOPLE AND THE PLANET Plant/Animal Identity Cards GREEN BACKED HERON (bird) BIGLEAF MAPLE TREE MAYFLY (aquatic insect) DOUGLAS FIR TREE GARTER SNAKE

6 2006 FACING THE FUTURE: PEOPLE AND THE PLANET Plant/Animal Identity Cards CRAYFISH RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD HONEYSUCKLE BUSH (shrub typically found along the banks of a forest stream) RIVER OTTER MOSQUITO

7 2006 FACING THE FUTURE: PEOPLE AND THE PLANET Plant/Animal Identity Cards COHO SALMON (fish) SPIKE RUSH (green, grass-like plant growing along shorelines or in shallow water) COOPER S HAWK (raptor type bird) SPOTTED FROG BLACK BEAR

8 2006 FACING THE FUTURE: PEOPLE AND THE PLANET w w w. f a c i n g t h e f u t u r e.org Plant/Animal Identity Cards RAINBOW TROUT HUMAN