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 OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this section is to explore in more depth the importance of biodiversity. Invasive species are the 2nd largest factor for the reduction of biodiversity and in Erie, Pennsylvania we have one of the biggest invasive "pests" in the world. The zebra mussel has been wreaking havoc on Lake Erie, Presque Isle State Park, in particular. Our goal is to examine invasive species, the zebra mussel, to find out why it is so successful and to determine if there is anything we can do to help stop / slow this problem.

Pennsylvania State Standards Subject Area - 4: Environment and Ecology Standard Area - 4.1: Ecology Grade Level - 4.1.7: GRADE 7 4.1.7.A: Describe the relationships between biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem.
 * Compare and contrast different biomes and their characteristics
 * Describe symbiotic and predator/prey relationships

4.1.7.C: Explain the flow of energy within an ecosystem.
 * Compare & contrast the flow of energy between organisms in different habitats.
 * Explain the concept of trophic levels.

Standard Area - 4.2: Watersheds and Wetlands Grade Level - 4.2.7: GRADE 7 4.2.7.A: Explain how water enters, moves through, and leaves a watershed.
 * Explain the concept of stream order.
 * Describe factors that affect the flow and water quality within a watershed

4.2.7.B: Explain the primary functions of a wetland within a watershed.
 * Providing habitat, flood control, water purification.
 * Serving as buffer zones, wildlife propagation areas, & food/fiber systems.

4.2.7.C: Use appropriate tools and techniques to analyze a freshwater environment. the environmental quality of a freshwater environment.
 * Interpret physical, chemical, and biological data as a means of assessing

Standard Area - 4.3: Natural Resources Grade Level - 4.3.7: GRADE 7 4.3.7.B: Explain the distribution and management of natural resources.
 * Differentiate between resource uses: conservation, preservation, & exploitation

4.5.7.D: Describe the wastes derived from using resources, how the waste is managed, and the potential impact on the environment.

Standard Area - 4.5: Humans and the Environment Grade Level - 4.5.7: GRADE 7 4.5.7.B: Describe the impact of pests in different geographic locations and techniques used to manage those pests.
 * Identify introduced species that are classified as pests in their new environments.

4.5.7.C: Explain how human actions affect the health of the environment.

4.1.7.D: Explain how biological diversity relates to the viability of ecosystems. adapt to change. that helps an organism survive and reproduce.
 * Compare and contrast monoculture with diverse ecosystems.
 * Explain how biological diversity relates to the ability of an ecosystem to
 * Explain how an adaptation is an inherited, structure, function, or behavior

4.5.7.F: evaluate the appropriateness of questions. scientific knowledge guides scientific investigations. understand that it enhances accuracy and allows scientists to analyze and quantify results of investigations. that these emphasize evidence, have logically consistent arguments and are based on scientific principles, models, and theories. methods or procedures for an investigation, or new technologies to improve data collection. methods or procedures for an investigation, or new technologies to improve data collection.
 * Understand how theories are developed.
 * Identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigations and
 * Design and conduct a scientific investigation and understand that current
 * Use appropriate tools and technologies to gather, analyze, and interpret data and
 * Develop descriptions, explanations, and models using evidence and understand
 * Understand that scientific investigations may result in new ideas for study, new
 * Use mathematics in all aspects of scientific inquiry.
 * Understand that scientific investigations may result in new ideas for study, new

LESSON PLANS: DAY ONE: 1. Review biodiversity and its importance 2. Read section on book on invasive species 3. Note outline on invasive species HW: Read news article and answer ?'s  DAY TWO: 1. Review invasive species 2. Show power point on invasive species 3. Complete computer graph on invasive species  DAY THREE: 1. Go over 60 seconds, 60 minutes, 60 days 2. Extra assignment: webquest or jellybean game  DAY FOUR: 1. Work on RAFT PROJECT

DAY FIVE: 1. Complete RAFT PROJECT